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Vested Interest #2
Aiden
“This is a great idea.”
Aiden had jumped up, fist punched the air, and yelled, “That’s how we do it! BAM!”
It stuck. Our initials, our ideas, our brand. My brothers.
Three young men meet in university and form a lifelong friendship.
Their pasts dictate the men they are, but their present shapes their future.
What happens when these men meet the one person they are destined to be with? Can they fight their feelings and walk away? Or will they each succumb and learn the sweet agony of love?
Aiden
Haunted by memories of his past, Aiden plays the part of the happy-go-lucky friend. Always ready with a teasing smile or a joke, he is good at hiding his pain.
Using his impressive physique as a shield, he keeps his past buried beneath his rugged exterior.
Except, one woman sees through his façade.
Her green eyes see too much, even as her body tempts him.
Even as his heart yearns for her.
Cami is determined to make him realize that he is worthy of being loved.
He pushes her away at every turn, yet finds himself unable to keep her at arm’s length.
Who will win this battle of love?
Aiden had jumped up, fist punched the air, and yelled, “That’s how we do it! BAM!”
It stuck. Our initials, our ideas, our brand. My brothers.
Three young men meet in university and form a lifelong friendship.
Their pasts dictate the men they are, but their present shapes their future.
What happens when these men meet the one person they are destined to be with? Can they fight their feelings and walk away? Or will they each succumb and learn the sweet agony of love?
Aiden
Haunted by memories of his past, Aiden plays the part of the happy-go-lucky friend. Always ready with a teasing smile or a joke, he is good at hiding his pain.
Using his impressive physique as a shield, he keeps his past buried beneath his rugged exterior.
Except, one woman sees through his façade.
Her green eyes see too much, even as her body tempts him.
Even as his heart yearns for her.
Cami is determined to make him realize that he is worthy of being loved.
He pushes her away at every turn, yet finds himself unable to keep her at arm’s length.
Who will win this battle of love?
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2018
1242 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Moreland
77 books5,477 followersWelcome Romance Readers!
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A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
Join my newsletter for news on upcoming releases and sales CLICK HERE
Make sure to follow me on Amazon for new release alerts CLICK HERE
Join me on Facebook in my reader group CLICK HERE
Check out my excerpts on Verve Romance CLICK HERE
A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
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August 26, 2019
Aiden is book two in the Vested Interest series by Melanie Moreland. In the first book, we got to know Bentley, the leader of the company, BAM. And the woman who won his heart, Emmy. Now it’s Bentley’s best friend, Aiden’s turn.
Aiden Callaghan is Bentley’s best friend. Like Bentley, we know Aiden has secrets, all three of these men do. As soon as I opened this book, the prologue ripped my heart right out. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a reaction like that. I literally wanted to jump into the book. I then understood why Aiden was the way he was.
Cami Wilson is Emmy’s best friend. She is a fashion design student at the same school that Emmy attends. She lives with her older sister, Dee. Cami is a lot more open with her past. She shares it freely, as she does her feelings. There is nothing closed off about Cami. Her heart is huge as is her capacity to love.
The previous book hinted at something starting between these two. But they kept it quiet. It was more of a friends with benefits type of thing. Because Aiden wasn’t capable of anything more. The chemistry between them was crazy strong. Neither of them could deny that. But he let Cami know right up front that he had nothing else to give.
“She was like a sunbeam. My own sunshine.”
Cami can see right through the façade that Aiden shows everyone else. She can see the pain he tries to hide. She knows he is capable of so much more than he is willing to believe. But he refuses to let her in. He keeps himself bottled up. None the less, Cami can’t help but to fall. The question is, can she continue on according to Aiden’s rules? Or does she walk away?
With all the chaos of Cami’s life, things start happening, things that make her question her own mind. With her busy life and her emotional turmoil, perhaps she is just getting forgetful? Or could it be something else?
First of all, I dearly loved spending more time with Bentley and Emmy. They are so adorable and I loved keeping up with what is happening with them. We also get to know Reid better in this book. He is a character most definitely! I have to say that I spent part of this book pretty frustrated with Aiden. Even though I understood why he was feeling the way we was, he still made me want to give him a shake and tell him to smarten up and open his eyes. Because Cami was perfect.
I have to admit that I am hurrying through this review because I want to get started on the next book, Maddox. Just know that Aiden will frustrate you, but you will also fall in love with him. All a man who has a damaged heart needs is the right woman to show him how to open himself up to love. A woman with so much love to offer that she can’t help but to heal him. You’ll have to read this book to see if Cami can be that woman.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Aiden Callaghan is Bentley’s best friend. Like Bentley, we know Aiden has secrets, all three of these men do. As soon as I opened this book, the prologue ripped my heart right out. I don’t know if I’ve ever had a reaction like that. I literally wanted to jump into the book. I then understood why Aiden was the way he was.
Cami Wilson is Emmy’s best friend. She is a fashion design student at the same school that Emmy attends. She lives with her older sister, Dee. Cami is a lot more open with her past. She shares it freely, as she does her feelings. There is nothing closed off about Cami. Her heart is huge as is her capacity to love.
The previous book hinted at something starting between these two. But they kept it quiet. It was more of a friends with benefits type of thing. Because Aiden wasn’t capable of anything more. The chemistry between them was crazy strong. Neither of them could deny that. But he let Cami know right up front that he had nothing else to give.
“She was like a sunbeam. My own sunshine.”
Cami can see right through the façade that Aiden shows everyone else. She can see the pain he tries to hide. She knows he is capable of so much more than he is willing to believe. But he refuses to let her in. He keeps himself bottled up. None the less, Cami can’t help but to fall. The question is, can she continue on according to Aiden’s rules? Or does she walk away?
With all the chaos of Cami’s life, things start happening, things that make her question her own mind. With her busy life and her emotional turmoil, perhaps she is just getting forgetful? Or could it be something else?
First of all, I dearly loved spending more time with Bentley and Emmy. They are so adorable and I loved keeping up with what is happening with them. We also get to know Reid better in this book. He is a character most definitely! I have to say that I spent part of this book pretty frustrated with Aiden. Even though I understood why he was feeling the way we was, he still made me want to give him a shake and tell him to smarten up and open his eyes. Because Cami was perfect.
I have to admit that I am hurrying through this review because I want to get started on the next book, Maddox. Just know that Aiden will frustrate you, but you will also fall in love with him. All a man who has a damaged heart needs is the right woman to show him how to open himself up to love. A woman with so much love to offer that she can’t help but to heal him. You’ll have to read this book to see if Cami can be that woman.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
December 13, 2018
There is a myth*, that a kind and patient woman can change a damaged man…
And this myth* is a solid foundation of the majority of romance books.
Thanks to my friend’s reviews I knew what to expect. And I was sure I’d dislike this hero a lot and feel for the heroine. Yes, I disliked him, but didn’t hate him; but… I couldn’t find any pity for Cami.
Girl, girl, girl…. when a man doesn’t want a relationship and is clear about it from the very beginning, try not to fall in love; and if you did (which is totally human) please have enough pride not to chase him!
The best tactic was/is/and ever will be: try to move on and don’t pursue him – you either move on and find a decent guy; or (which works in 99% the cases) your ‘commitment-phobe’ will chase you on his knees!!!
Cami was a very nice and kind woman;not very bright, but very empathic.
What I liked the most about her was her sister Dee.
Plot: will we have a stalker/villain also in the 3rd book?
Hero: not quite my kind of a man, but not that bad!
At least he was NOT a bully, a manwhore or a gigolo, who slept with married women -> those are the most popular heroes of the 21st century! Aiden was a true Saint compared to the best-seller-alpha-holes.
But I promised to Leonor! *lol*
*Myth:
1. A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
2. A widely held but false belief or idea.
2.1 A misrepresentation of the truth.
2.2. A fictitious or imaginary person or thing.
2.3. An exaggerated or idealized conception of a person or thing.
And this myth* is a solid foundation of the majority of romance books.
Thanks to my friend’s reviews I knew what to expect. And I was sure I’d dislike this hero a lot and feel for the heroine. Yes, I disliked him, but didn’t hate him; but… I couldn’t find any pity for Cami.
Girl, girl, girl…. when a man doesn’t want a relationship and is clear about it from the very beginning, try not to fall in love; and if you did (which is totally human) please have enough pride not to chase him!
The best tactic was/is/and ever will be: try to move on and don’t pursue him – you either move on and find a decent guy; or (which works in 99% the cases) your ‘commitment-phobe’ will chase you on his knees!!!
Cami was a very nice and kind woman;
What I liked the most about her was her sister Dee.
Plot: will we have a stalker/villain also in the 3rd book?
Hero: not quite my kind of a man, but not that bad!
At least he was NOT a bully, a manwhore or a gigolo, who slept with married women -> those are the most popular heroes of the 21st century! Aiden was a true Saint compared to the best-seller-alpha-holes.
But I promised to Leonor! *lol*
*Myth:
1. A traditional story, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining a natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events.
2. A widely held but false belief or idea.
2.1 A misrepresentation of the truth.
2.2. A fictitious or imaginary person or thing.
2.3. An exaggerated or idealized conception of a person or thing.
May 4, 2018
~WRITING - PLOT - PACE~I was a bit disappointed in this one. It wasn't nearly as good as BENTLEY in my opinion. I just didn't like either of the main characters. Aiden was a whiney a$$hole that treated Cami like trash. Cami was the worlds biggest doormat that would have licked Aiden's shoes for a smidgen of affection <--- OK yes, I am being a bit overdramatic, but that is how it felt to me. It didn't help matters that the above scenario drags on for 75% of the book!
That issue aside, I do enjoy this author's writing style. It has an easy-to-read flow to it. The pace was very good (maybe a little rushed at the end). The plot was pretty engaging. Although it was super obvious who was causing trouble from the start. Maybe it was supposed to be obvious. *shrug* Last, it was all wrapped up in an OK ending. Like I mentioned above, I thought the ending felt rushed. Aiden doesn't get his head out of his a$$ until 75% and the book ends at 98%. I didn't feel like there was enough groveling on his part before everything was all "tiptoeing through the tulips forever."
~HERO~
AIDEN...I just didn't like this douche. Oh, he had some sweet moments, but the way he treated Cami was abysmal. I don't care if she knew the score and agreed to sex only. He KNEW she had feelings for him. He KNEW she wanted more. He continuously acted like he had feelings for her just to toss her aside like trash. And don't even get me started on his whining about his childhood. I must be in a super b!tchy mood today because instead of feeling sorry for him I wanted him to grow a pair of f-cking balls and do something to deal with it.
~HEROINE~
CAMI...OMG Cami was a doormat extraordinaire. She continually allowed Aiden to screw her and then toss her aside. He continuously told everyone she meant nothing, and it was just sex. The one time she ends things (right after he humiliates her for kissing him in front of their friends because it was against HIS rules) she ends up RIGHT back in his bed two days later. Where yet AGAIN he treats her like crap. Now, outside of her relationship with Aiden, I did like her character. She was a great friend. A great sister.
~SECONDARY CHARACTERS~
The secondary characters in this one are pretty much the same as they were in book one. We get a lot of Bentley and Emmy. As well as Dee and Maddox <--- their book is up next but I am on the fence because the premise sounds awfully similar to this book..."Fuck buddy arrangement until someone wants more." Plus it is an older woman/younger man scenario. I just don't think I have it in me to go through another "it is just sex" back-and-forth story.
~HEAT LEVEL~
Surprisingly low. There was barely any sex in this one. Maybe a couple semi-hot scenes. That said, it didn't affect my rating at all. In fact, I hadn't even really noticed the lack of sex until I was almost done the book. Go figure.
~ANGST LEVEL - SEXUAL HISTORIES~
Medium. Honestly, the back and forth and hot and cold attitude Aiden had through three fourth of the book caused most of the angst. Neither were virgins, and I don't think either had slept with anyone in a while. There was no OW or OM drama.
~IN THE END~
MEH...Everything apart from the relationship between the two main characters worked for me. I just couldn't get past my dislike for both of them. I am chalking it up to me being in a mood. (lol) Maybe if Aiden had gotten his head out of his a$$ sooner, or maybe if Cami had grown a backbone and stuck with it I would have enjoyed it more. But as it was, it just missed the mark for me. It happens. I am sure many people will love it (as they should). Therefore yours truly can't give this any more than three generous stars.
May 7, 2018
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Aiden Callaghan is a gorgeous, single, wealthy guy living in Toronto. He runs a successful company called BAM with his two best friends Bentley & Maddox. He's the VP as well as the head of security. He's respected & admired by many, but doesn't see himself as others do. He was raised in an awful environment where he was made to feel insignificant, and now has issues with trust and showing emotion. He doesn't like to talk about his past. It was a painful time in his life that he wishes he could forget. He lives in a nice loft, has plenty of money, & two best friends who he considers family. The one thing he doesn't have is love. Love & relationships just weren't for him. He was always honest with women & made it clear he could only offer a physical connection.
Cami Wilson is a beautiful, free spirited 25 yr. old woman who is taking classes in fashion design, and living with her sister Dee. She has great friends & is known to go after what she wants. She recently decided she has to have the sexy, tattooed Aiden Callaghan. She is persistent until she gets her way. He lays out all his rules from the beginning, and she agrees to follow them. They work because she doesn't have any expectations, and is patient with him. She never asks for more than he can give and they really enjoy spending time together. They have amazing chemistry and over time Cami starts to see through the facade Aiden shows the rest of the world. On the outside he's this strong, confident man, but on the inside she knew there was more to him. A hidden pain & damaged soul she could see in his eyes.
-“I can’t seem to stay away from her, no matter how hard I try.”
-“She ties me up in knots. She makes me want things I can’t have. To be something I can never be.”
-She was everything I had imagined and more.
-All I had to do was reach out, and the one thing I wanted, I needed, all my life could be mine. I only had to take it.
Aiden didn't want to start something with Cami that didn't have a chance of going anywhere. She's become the sunshine in his life, but he felt she deserved better than he could give her. He can't love her the way she should be loved. He wished he could give her more, but it wasn't how he was built. The problem was she'd ruined everything and fallen in love with him. He'd tried to keep her at arms length, but she made him feel too much. He craved her affection and her touch, but he was afraid to try. Something had definitely shifted between them. He'd never felt this way & it terrified him. He has to decide will he shut down and reject Cami, or take a chance on love and let her into his heart & life.
This was book 2 in the Vested Interest series that is about three men that meet at university & become best friends and business partners. Each one is unique and absolutely delicious and swoony. I really enjoyed Bentley & Aidens books and can't wait for Maddox up next!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
http://mybook.to/Aiden
(ARC provided by author)
Aiden Callaghan is a gorgeous, single, wealthy guy living in Toronto. He runs a successful company called BAM with his two best friends Bentley & Maddox. He's the VP as well as the head of security. He's respected & admired by many, but doesn't see himself as others do. He was raised in an awful environment where he was made to feel insignificant, and now has issues with trust and showing emotion. He doesn't like to talk about his past. It was a painful time in his life that he wishes he could forget. He lives in a nice loft, has plenty of money, & two best friends who he considers family. The one thing he doesn't have is love. Love & relationships just weren't for him. He was always honest with women & made it clear he could only offer a physical connection.
Cami Wilson is a beautiful, free spirited 25 yr. old woman who is taking classes in fashion design, and living with her sister Dee. She has great friends & is known to go after what she wants. She recently decided she has to have the sexy, tattooed Aiden Callaghan. She is persistent until she gets her way. He lays out all his rules from the beginning, and she agrees to follow them. They work because she doesn't have any expectations, and is patient with him. She never asks for more than he can give and they really enjoy spending time together. They have amazing chemistry and over time Cami starts to see through the facade Aiden shows the rest of the world. On the outside he's this strong, confident man, but on the inside she knew there was more to him. A hidden pain & damaged soul she could see in his eyes.
-“I can’t seem to stay away from her, no matter how hard I try.”
-“She ties me up in knots. She makes me want things I can’t have. To be something I can never be.”
-She was everything I had imagined and more.
-All I had to do was reach out, and the one thing I wanted, I needed, all my life could be mine. I only had to take it.
Aiden didn't want to start something with Cami that didn't have a chance of going anywhere. She's become the sunshine in his life, but he felt she deserved better than he could give her. He can't love her the way she should be loved. He wished he could give her more, but it wasn't how he was built. The problem was she'd ruined everything and fallen in love with him. He'd tried to keep her at arms length, but she made him feel too much. He craved her affection and her touch, but he was afraid to try. Something had definitely shifted between them. He'd never felt this way & it terrified him. He has to decide will he shut down and reject Cami, or take a chance on love and let her into his heart & life.
This was book 2 in the Vested Interest series that is about three men that meet at university & become best friends and business partners. Each one is unique and absolutely delicious and swoony. I really enjoyed Bentley & Aidens books and can't wait for Maddox up next!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
http://mybook.to/Aiden
May 14, 2018
After thoroughly enjoying
Bentley
, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Aiden—going on first introductions, he clearly had a story to tell.
One thing you can be almost certain of when you pick up a Melanie Moreland book is that you’re going to be greeted with a man to love and Aiden absolutely ticked that box for me. Guarded, protective and incredibly funny, this mountain of a man is complex as how others see him is not how he sees himself. And as happy as he is that Bentley has found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, for him that‘s not on the cards—something he’s made clear to Cami and she accepts—but that line soon becomes a little blurred and events unfold.
I feel so much, and I’m fucking terrified of what I feel.”
Stubborn and patient, Cami wears her heart on her sleeve and is selfless, prepared to let go of the man she loves for his own wellbeing and her own self-preservation—for that I loved her. And whilst one particular element of this story was fairly predictable and didn’t hold a huge amount of surprise (for me), it still played an important role in bringing moments which tug on your heart as we‘re introduced to Aiden’s more vulnerable side.
I want to be the missing piece to your world.”
With plenty of humour coming courtesy of the guys and their banter, Melanie Moreland has brought her reader another worthy addition to the Vested Interest series and now begins the wait to discover what’s in store for last man standing, Maddox and Cami’s sister, Dee who so far have been happily dancing the horizontal tango string-free.
Copy and image received courtesy of Inkslinger PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
One thing you can be almost certain of when you pick up a Melanie Moreland book is that you’re going to be greeted with a man to love and Aiden absolutely ticked that box for me. Guarded, protective and incredibly funny, this mountain of a man is complex as how others see him is not how he sees himself. And as happy as he is that Bentley has found the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with, for him that‘s not on the cards—something he’s made clear to Cami and she accepts—but that line soon becomes a little blurred and events unfold.
I feel so much, and I’m fucking terrified of what I feel.”
Stubborn and patient, Cami wears her heart on her sleeve and is selfless, prepared to let go of the man she loves for his own wellbeing and her own self-preservation—for that I loved her. And whilst one particular element of this story was fairly predictable and didn’t hold a huge amount of surprise (for me), it still played an important role in bringing moments which tug on your heart as we‘re introduced to Aiden’s more vulnerable side.
I want to be the missing piece to your world.”
With plenty of humour coming courtesy of the guys and their banter, Melanie Moreland has brought her reader another worthy addition to the Vested Interest series and now begins the wait to discover what’s in store for last man standing, Maddox and Cami’s sister, Dee who so far have been happily dancing the horizontal tango string-free.
Copy and image received courtesy of Inkslinger PR for an honest and unbiased opinion.
February 16, 2019
Argh. This hero drove me to the wall.
I wanted to punched his stupid pretty face although to do it I would have to climb a ladder because this mofo is 6'7 I'm only 5'2. I wouldn't be able to reach his face if I don't climb the ladder.
Anyway, this hero had issues and those issues had issues.
I don't like it when authors take the easy way out in books. I was already done with this book at 50% with his constant pushing away then he would let her in for a tiny bit then went back to pushing away well you get my point, it wasn’t until she was in danger and all of the sudden he's crazy in love. I. Mean. Really? These plots have been done way to many times.
I demand new plots!!
And it seems like Maddox and Dee's book will also be the same.
I don't think I will bother with their book.
~Safe.
~No OW.
~Same plot as other books. Heroine has a stalker.
I wanted to punched his stupid pretty face although to do it I would have to climb a ladder because this mofo is 6'7 I'm only 5'2. I wouldn't be able to reach his face if I don't climb the ladder.
Anyway, this hero had issues and those issues had issues.
I don't like it when authors take the easy way out in books. I was already done with this book at 50% with his constant pushing away then he would let her in for a tiny bit then went back to pushing away well you get my point, it wasn’t until she was in danger and all of the sudden he's crazy in love. I. Mean. Really? These plots have been done way to many times.
I demand new plots!!
And it seems like Maddox and Dee's book will also be the same.
I don't think I will bother with their book.
~Safe.
~No OW.
~Same plot as other books. Heroine has a stalker.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2018
Aiden is the second book in the Vested Interest series. What an amazing addition to that series! I loved this book! It’s beautiful and emotional. Aiden tells us Aiden and Cami’s love story. If you have read the first book, Bentley (currently on sale for 0.99$), than you already know Aiden and Cami. Aiden is one of Bentley’s best friends and Cami is Emmy’s best friend.
Cami is sweet, loving, kind, feisty, supportive and passionate. She goes to college and works at a store. She can be very busy, but she always find time for her sister and her best friend. Cami is very close to her sister and she can always count on her. She’s also very close to Emmy and she’s happy that Emmy has found true love with Bentley. Cami is attracted to Aiden and she wants him.
Aiden is strong, rich, caring, protective and a little closed off. His childhood wasn’t pretty and that has an impact on his present life. Aiden has achieved a lot in his life and he is the co-owner of a successful company. Aiden is a great friend. When Cami needs his help, he drops everything and helps her. He would do anything for her.
Cami and Aiden are (kind of) friends with benefits. Cami wants more, but Aiden keeps her at a distant. He thinks Cami deserves better than him and he doesn’t do commitment. But Aiden is actually perfect for Cami, just like she is perfect for him. Cami only wants Aiden and she just waits until he’s ready for more. I loved Cami and Aiden as a couple. They are hot and beautiful. They believe in each other and they are there for each other.
I loved it that Bentley and Emmy appeared sometimes and they are still in love. I adore them so much. I can’t wait for Maddox’s book! He’s the third man of BAM. I’m curious about what he’s hiding from his friends. I also want him to be finally together with his woman. There is also a man I got to know a little better in this novel and I won’t mind it if he gets his own book.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
Cami is sweet, loving, kind, feisty, supportive and passionate. She goes to college and works at a store. She can be very busy, but she always find time for her sister and her best friend. Cami is very close to her sister and she can always count on her. She’s also very close to Emmy and she’s happy that Emmy has found true love with Bentley. Cami is attracted to Aiden and she wants him.
Aiden is strong, rich, caring, protective and a little closed off. His childhood wasn’t pretty and that has an impact on his present life. Aiden has achieved a lot in his life and he is the co-owner of a successful company. Aiden is a great friend. When Cami needs his help, he drops everything and helps her. He would do anything for her.
Cami and Aiden are (kind of) friends with benefits. Cami wants more, but Aiden keeps her at a distant. He thinks Cami deserves better than him and he doesn’t do commitment. But Aiden is actually perfect for Cami, just like she is perfect for him. Cami only wants Aiden and she just waits until he’s ready for more. I loved Cami and Aiden as a couple. They are hot and beautiful. They believe in each other and they are there for each other.
I loved it that Bentley and Emmy appeared sometimes and they are still in love. I adore them so much. I can’t wait for Maddox’s book! He’s the third man of BAM. I’m curious about what he’s hiding from his friends. I also want him to be finally together with his woman. There is also a man I got to know a little better in this novel and I won’t mind it if he gets his own book.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
March 21, 2021
An average read of some of the most triggered topics ( altogether).
No doubt the storyline was intriguing but the storytelling was way too quick, taken the subjects taken required more words! The word length didn't satisfy me.
Character building was not require as we knew about protagonists from the previous book only, still they were good at their own things... being themselves.
Writing style of the author I would say is very easy to grasp...you could go through the whole paragraph with few seconds and you'll understand the whole situation....no repeated reading of some of the paragraphs, sentences or whatever... I hope I'm making a point here and not randomly rambling nonsense.
Both the books in this series are way too average so I won't be going for book three.
P.S. : I forgot to mention that Aiden's hot and cold behaviour was giving solid mixed signals which was annoying.
No doubt the storyline was intriguing but the storytelling was way too quick, taken the subjects taken required more words! The word length didn't satisfy me.
Character building was not require as we knew about protagonists from the previous book only, still they were good at their own things... being themselves.
Writing style of the author I would say is very easy to grasp...you could go through the whole paragraph with few seconds and you'll understand the whole situation....no repeated reading of some of the paragraphs, sentences or whatever... I hope I'm making a point here and not randomly rambling nonsense.
Both the books in this series are way too average so I won't be going for book three.
P.S. : I forgot to mention that Aiden's hot and cold behaviour was giving solid mixed signals which was annoying.
August 29, 2019
A man haunted by his past; Aiden Callaghan feels that he can’t be what Cami Wilson needs, he wants her but instinct and the belief he is somewhat broken has him pushing her way continuously.
The start of this book drew me in and had me aching for the little boy that Aiden was, as a grown man I liked how much he cared for Cami when she was hurt and in danger, but one key thing I wasn’t happy about was the fact there was no grovelling by Aiden for zillion times he pushed Cami away, which was rather annoying.
I really liked Cami - she is certainly the strongest of the two main characters.
Whist the characters from book are in here, this can be comfortably be read as a standalone.
A nice enough one time read, although I didn’t find myself as invested in the book as I thought I would be after the first chapter.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
The start of this book drew me in and had me aching for the little boy that Aiden was, as a grown man I liked how much he cared for Cami when she was hurt and in danger, but one key thing I wasn’t happy about was the fact there was no grovelling by Aiden for zillion times he pushed Cami away, which was rather annoying.
I really liked Cami - she is certainly the strongest of the two main characters.
Whist the characters from book are in here, this can be comfortably be read as a standalone.
A nice enough one time read, although I didn’t find myself as invested in the book as I thought I would be after the first chapter.
Potential Triggers:
Acquired via KU.
April 16, 2018
I had this read in a blink of an eye that is how much I enjoyed this book. It is heartfelt, funny and a real gem. I felt so much in this book. You know when you read the second in the series and you are hoping that it won’t epically fail because you enjoyed the first book so much? Yep this was my worry here but thankfully there was no need for me to worry. It was near perfection.
We meet Cami & Aiden in book 1 and now it is their turn to fall in love and get their happily ever after. With hurdles to overcome.
Cami hasn’t got a lot of family, she is studying to be a fashion designer, she lives with her sister Dee who is more of a mother to her than her mother ever was and she has Emmy.
I love Cami, she is a fantastic heroine and has the patience of a saint. When she loves, she loves hard and deep. She is strong, knows what she wants and it was all fine until, seriously what is wrong with you?
I can’t help it peeps. It was that one moment, yes I got over it but still. No way would I have let him get away with that a good ole slapping *lol* would have done the trick.
Aiden has had a tough childhood and he has the whole tortured Hero thing going on. The guy who you think you will be able to fix because you know you’re different. I liked Aiden well I more than liked him but here again what is wrong with you?
Here again I got over myself but there was just too much push/pull for my liking.
All this aside they have chemistry together on all levels and if Aiden wasn’t such a douchecanoe and kept on putting up roadblocks I would have not wanted to throttle the guy. He made everyone miserable. And they had some sexy times going down here peeps.
Ms. Moreland writes impeccably highlighting the highs and lows. It is an engaging read and I had so much fun here although I was somewhat frustrated but that was all Aiden. It was hard to get into the beginning because I was sure he was going to be an arse. I was right but better than I expected. The plot? One that is refreshing in every way. Okay so I knew the direction it was going in. But I was still gripped by the book so no complaints on my part.
My verdict?
Read the book it is a fantastic book, I would most certainly start with Bentley because it can���t be read as a standalone. I can’t wait for Maddox’s book. Bring it!
BTW there is no o/w drama, some angst but nothing crippling.
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We meet Cami & Aiden in book 1 and now it is their turn to fall in love and get their happily ever after. With hurdles to overcome.
Cami hasn’t got a lot of family, she is studying to be a fashion designer, she lives with her sister Dee who is more of a mother to her than her mother ever was and she has Emmy.
I love Cami, she is a fantastic heroine and has the patience of a saint. When she loves, she loves hard and deep. She is strong, knows what she wants and it was all fine until, seriously what is wrong with you?
I can’t help it peeps. It was that one moment, yes I got over it but still. No way would I have let him get away with that a good ole slapping *lol* would have done the trick.
Aiden has had a tough childhood and he has the whole tortured Hero thing going on. The guy who you think you will be able to fix because you know you’re different. I liked Aiden well I more than liked him but here again what is wrong with you?
Here again I got over myself but there was just too much push/pull for my liking.
All this aside they have chemistry together on all levels and if Aiden wasn’t such a douchecanoe and kept on putting up roadblocks I would have not wanted to throttle the guy. He made everyone miserable. And they had some sexy times going down here peeps.
Ms. Moreland writes impeccably highlighting the highs and lows. It is an engaging read and I had so much fun here although I was somewhat frustrated but that was all Aiden. It was hard to get into the beginning because I was sure he was going to be an arse. I was right but better than I expected. The plot? One that is refreshing in every way. Okay so I knew the direction it was going in. But I was still gripped by the book so no complaints on my part.
My verdict?
Read the book it is a fantastic book, I would most certainly start with Bentley because it can���t be read as a standalone. I can’t wait for Maddox’s book. Bring it!
BTW there is no o/w drama, some angst but nothing crippling.
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Blog : https://www.jerisbookattic.com
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Twitter : https://twitter.com/JeriTRyan
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July 25, 2018
Aiden is the second installment of the Vested Interest series. It was an audio I got from my Hoopla and I honestly really enjoyed it. However, a lot of it was highly predictable.
This book follows Aiden and his sort of relationship with Cami. Of course they had that push and pull like every cliche relationship has lately. He can't be the guy for her but he still wants to sleep and protect the shit out of her. She just ends up loving the shit out of him unconditionally like a puppy yet gets her heart broken every time he says they can't be anything more than fuck buddies. Ugh, it was nauseating really but I still ended up liking their "relationship"at the same time?? I totally blame work being boring for all of this.
Cami was an okay kind of character. I definitely like Emmy better but that's just 'cause I could connect with her more. Cami had a whole bunch of crazy shit happening around her and instead of trying to figure it out or ya know losing her mind... she just accepted it. For example, her shit goes missing from her room overnight and she's like oh.. maybe I left it at school?!? BISH YOU KNEW YOU BROUGHT IT HOME WHY DO YOU DOUBT YOURSELF?!?
Then the whole crazy "best friend" but she's not really your friend because she's a fucking psycho.. yeah, super cliche and reminded me of a ton of TV's and Movies that overplay that type of person. Meh. At least that whole crazy thing brought Aiden and her back together.
Overall, the romance was okay but the first book was better in my eyes.
This book follows Aiden and his sort of relationship with Cami. Of course they had that push and pull like every cliche relationship has lately. He can't be the guy for her but he still wants to sleep and protect the shit out of her. She just ends up loving the shit out of him unconditionally like a puppy yet gets her heart broken every time he says they can't be anything more than fuck buddies. Ugh, it was nauseating really but I still ended up liking their "relationship"at the same time?? I totally blame work being boring for all of this.
Cami was an okay kind of character. I definitely like Emmy better but that's just 'cause I could connect with her more. Cami had a whole bunch of crazy shit happening around her and instead of trying to figure it out or ya know losing her mind... she just accepted it. For example, her shit goes missing from her room overnight and she's like oh.. maybe I left it at school?!? BISH YOU KNEW YOU BROUGHT IT HOME WHY DO YOU DOUBT YOURSELF?!?
Then the whole crazy "best friend" but she's not really your friend because she's a fucking psycho.. yeah, super cliche and reminded me of a ton of TV's and Movies that overplay that type of person. Meh. At least that whole crazy thing brought Aiden and her back together.
Overall, the romance was okay but the first book was better in my eyes.
April 26, 2018
My entire Monday was spent on devouring this book by Melanie Moreland. When the first chapter of Bentley was read, I said "I need to know more about this friend of his." He is funny, and charming. That friend who is always there to lend a hand and help you out. I love a man who can make you laugh and laugh at himself. He is protective of those around him so all the boxes for my 'book boyfriend' were checked off.
But this man has layers.
So many layers.
I didn't expect Aiden to take me on the emotional journey of learning to open your heart and acceptance. We all find our space in life. Carve out the protective moat and allow only a few in. Aiden not only doesn't desire a long term relationship, he deems himself unworthy. But he wiggles under your skin where you can't help but want him to find his happy.
Cami is the perfect heroine. She's out to save the hero from himself, but not at the cost of losing herself. After a personal wake up call, she realizes that sometimes showing love is by setting it free. Each character struggles with their personal demons, but it's Cami's strength that pulls them through.
This has been an unexpected but wholly delightful journey in watching the men of BAM tell their stories. Next up is the final letter. I do not doubt Melanie Moreland will disappoint but grow stronger as we get to know Maddox. 5 out of 5 everyone deserves to be loved stars.
Readers get a sneak peek with the prologue of Aiden in book 1- Bentley. Just so all my book friends are clear:
But this man has layers.
So many layers.
I didn't expect Aiden to take me on the emotional journey of learning to open your heart and acceptance. We all find our space in life. Carve out the protective moat and allow only a few in. Aiden not only doesn't desire a long term relationship, he deems himself unworthy. But he wiggles under your skin where you can't help but want him to find his happy.
Cami is the perfect heroine. She's out to save the hero from himself, but not at the cost of losing herself. After a personal wake up call, she realizes that sometimes showing love is by setting it free. Each character struggles with their personal demons, but it's Cami's strength that pulls them through.
This has been an unexpected but wholly delightful journey in watching the men of BAM tell their stories. Next up is the final letter. I do not doubt Melanie Moreland will disappoint but grow stronger as we get to know Maddox. 5 out of 5 everyone deserves to be loved stars.
Readers get a sneak peek with the prologue of Aiden in book 1- Bentley. Just so all my book friends are clear:
July 3, 2018
Yikes I hate a doormat heroine! I really disliked this heroine. She rolled over and let the hero treat her like crap, push/pull/push/pull, rinse repeat. Aside from being boring a pretty boring story, I just wanted her to kick him to the curb since he lacked a set of balls. Yea - I know he had a sad and bad childhood. But a 30 something year old man (a very successful one) needs to stop blaming mommy and daddy at some point.
Not sure I will read the 3rd book. Sounds like more of the same.
Not sure I will read the 3rd book. Sounds like more of the same.
December 20, 2025
UPDATED: Thank God that's over. All the things I liked about the first book were thrown out the window on this one. That said - the series does get better. This is not a standalone.
Aiden Callaghan (32-ish, BAM VP and conveniently also a bodyguard, physical therapist, and licensed massage therapist) has spent his life feeling sorry for himself and pushing everyone away because he has a learning disability and he was abused as a child. Now he doesn't believe anyone can love him and he doesn't think he can love anyone else.
Camilla Wilson (28-ish, fashion student) has the hots for Aiden, and since he has the hots for her, they get naked. Aiden makes it clear from the beginning that he doesn’t want a relationship with her, it’s only fucking. Of course, Cami can’t keep her heart out of things, and she falls for Aiden fast.
Every time they start to get close, Aiden says some mean shit and hurts her, then he wants to fuck again so she takes him back.
Then Cami gets a stalker and it's all cookie cutter from there. She keeps everything to herself, there’s something she can’t deny, Aiden insists the only way to protect her is for her to move in with him, she agrees like the weakling she is, they fuck some more, there’s an attack, he realizes he’s a dick, and then a combo of HFN and a cliffy (which plays out over the next few books)
SEX: The first time in this book is a flashback to when they had sex in the first book, and it’s at 10% with a condom. The first time they have sex present day is at 12% and it’s without a condom! Yay!!!! Aiden is a little more vocal than Bentley was in his book and it’s nice because of the audio.
CAMI: God she’s so dumb. As I said, all the little weird things happening, she doesn’t mention any of it because she thinks she’s going crazy like her mom did. It’s really stupid. She has a “friend” that’s always doing weird shit and Cami just puts up with it, always trying to be nice. She lets Aiden walk all over her. I get it, we women think we can make men love us, especially by putting out. But he says some really shitty things. She def should have just stayed with Bentley & Emmy instead of moving in with the man who continuously breaks her heart. I hated her.
AIDEN: He’s a douche.
AUDIO: In the last book, it was primarily Bentley’s POV. In this one, it’s primarily Cami’s POV, so I can’t say the audio is worth it. You already know how I feel about Maxine Mitchell narrating.
So that's why this only got two stars. I still like the series though, and I love Maddox and Reid and for sure think you should listen to their books.
Cami Wilson crashed into my life like a wrecking ball. From the moment I saw her, kissing her was a temptation, fucking her was a fantasy, and hurting her was inevitable.
Aiden Callaghan (32-ish, BAM VP and conveniently also a bodyguard, physical therapist, and licensed massage therapist) has spent his life feeling sorry for himself and pushing everyone away because he has a learning disability and he was abused as a child. Now he doesn't believe anyone can love him and he doesn't think he can love anyone else.
“There is nothing to shut down. You knew the rules, and you broke them. It’s simple. I helped you because you were hurt, nothing more..... aside from the physical? There isn’t anymore, Cami. There never will be.”
Camilla Wilson (28-ish, fashion student) has the hots for Aiden, and since he has the hots for her, they get naked. Aiden makes it clear from the beginning that he doesn’t want a relationship with her, it’s only fucking. Of course, Cami can’t keep her heart out of things, and she falls for Aiden fast.
“You frighten me, Sunshine. You scare the ever-loving shit out of me. Emotionally, you could destroy me.”
Every time they start to get close, Aiden says some mean shit and hurts her, then he wants to fuck again so she takes him back.
Then Cami gets a stalker and it's all cookie cutter from there. She keeps everything to herself, there’s something she can’t deny, Aiden insists the only way to protect her is for her to move in with him, she agrees like the weakling she is, they fuck some more, there’s an attack, he realizes he’s a dick, and then a combo of HFN and a cliffy (which plays out over the next few books)
He spoke three small words. Three words that seeped into my heart, stitched the worn edges, and mended the cracked and beaten shell. “I love you.”
SEX: The first time in this book is a flashback to when they had sex in the first book, and it’s at 10% with a condom. The first time they have sex present day is at 12% and it’s without a condom! Yay!!!! Aiden is a little more vocal than Bentley was in his book and it’s nice because of the audio.
CAMI: God she’s so dumb. As I said, all the little weird things happening, she doesn’t mention any of it because she thinks she’s going crazy like her mom did. It’s really stupid. She has a “friend” that’s always doing weird shit and Cami just puts up with it, always trying to be nice. She lets Aiden walk all over her. I get it, we women think we can make men love us, especially by putting out. But he says some really shitty things. She def should have just stayed with Bentley & Emmy instead of moving in with the man who continuously breaks her heart. I hated her.
AIDEN: He’s a douche.
AUDIO: In the last book, it was primarily Bentley’s POV. In this one, it’s primarily Cami’s POV, so I can’t say the audio is worth it. You already know how I feel about Maxine Mitchell narrating.
So that's why this only got two stars. I still like the series though, and I love Maddox and Reid and for sure think you should listen to their books.
May 8, 2018
Melanie Moreland is a new author to me but the premise of the series did sound promising: 3 friends, a booming business and 3 women in their circle as they eventually pair up in 3 successive books.
Aiden Callaghan’s hiding deep pain—what exactly we don’t really know till much later, except that it’s so painful he won’t talk about it, gets rude and shuts people down when the slightest thing said reminds him of it. It’s hidden behind jokes and banter, but the guy’s got issues. Cami knows it, but wants to change his mind, wants him to think that her love would change them, or that their sex-only, hush-hush arrangement would shift once he gets deeper into it.
The surprise of surprises? Good lord, he doesn’t.
It’s hard reading about a Hr who just ’took it’ and didn’t call out the H for behaviour I wouldn’t even accept from my friends, let alone from a lover who should have shown at the very least, some kind of decency in facing what he’d done. Instead, Aiden’s hot-cold behaviour gave me whiplash to the extent where I knew therapy and not Cami, would have done him more justice. But Cami behaved exactly like a kicked puppy, or a glutton for punishment and I alternated between admiring her for her big-hearted persistence and feeling appalled with her for being an easy and nice pushover.
The storytelling surprised me as well; the voices felt a little ‘off’ for what I expected to be a partial corporate romance but instead every chapter felt like a recounting of the day-to-day activities of the various characters that didn’t quite lead anywhere, except for the stalker problem Cami starting having. Which of course, proved to be the turning point where Aiden suddenly realised his foolishness and made the 180-degree flip about his opinions regarding Cami.
‘Aiden’ proved to be quite a frustrating mental exercise, akin to watching hits and misses or an oncoming train wreck. I’m cautiously awaiting ‘Maddox’, but not if it’s anything like this one.
Aiden Callaghan’s hiding deep pain—what exactly we don’t really know till much later, except that it’s so painful he won’t talk about it, gets rude and shuts people down when the slightest thing said reminds him of it. It’s hidden behind jokes and banter, but the guy’s got issues. Cami knows it, but wants to change his mind, wants him to think that her love would change them, or that their sex-only, hush-hush arrangement would shift once he gets deeper into it.
The surprise of surprises? Good lord, he doesn’t.
It’s hard reading about a Hr who just ’took it’ and didn’t call out the H for behaviour I wouldn’t even accept from my friends, let alone from a lover who should have shown at the very least, some kind of decency in facing what he’d done. Instead, Aiden’s hot-cold behaviour gave me whiplash to the extent where I knew therapy and not Cami, would have done him more justice. But Cami behaved exactly like a kicked puppy, or a glutton for punishment and I alternated between admiring her for her big-hearted persistence and feeling appalled with her for being an easy and nice pushover.
The storytelling surprised me as well; the voices felt a little ‘off’ for what I expected to be a partial corporate romance but instead every chapter felt like a recounting of the day-to-day activities of the various characters that didn’t quite lead anywhere, except for the stalker problem Cami starting having. Which of course, proved to be the turning point where Aiden suddenly realised his foolishness and made the 180-degree flip about his opinions regarding Cami.
‘Aiden’ proved to be quite a frustrating mental exercise, akin to watching hits and misses or an oncoming train wreck. I’m cautiously awaiting ‘Maddox’, but not if it’s anything like this one.
not-interested
May 7, 2018I'm hearing a lot of pushing away
February 2, 2019
2.5 stars.
Not very impressing. A person who overcomes his insecurities and becomes successful is obviously a great thing. But a person who holds his past and push other people because of his past also shows a sign of weakness. It means at the end whatever you achieved means nothing.
About mental illness, the people who are suffering because of it I feel sad for them. A agree with the heroine's decision they need help, not punishment.
Again, I didn't like the fact that the heroine pushes the hero for more, not because she is pursuing again and again for a relationship. My point is Why helping those who are not willing to help themselves and you are hurting because of it. You deserve more than that girl. Crying and pushing hard is not going to help you. You can't push a person to feel love for you.
Overall, I am kinda disappointed cause I liked the hero-heroine in the first book. I am not very interested in the third book but I sure am interested in the fourth book of the series.
Not very impressing. A person who overcomes his insecurities and becomes successful is obviously a great thing. But a person who holds his past and push other people because of his past also shows a sign of weakness. It means at the end whatever you achieved means nothing.
About mental illness, the people who are suffering because of it I feel sad for them. A agree with the heroine's decision they need help, not punishment.
Again, I didn't like the fact that the heroine pushes the hero for more, not because she is pursuing again and again for a relationship. My point is Why helping those who are not willing to help themselves and you are hurting because of it. You deserve more than that girl. Crying and pushing hard is not going to help you. You can't push a person to feel love for you.
Overall, I am kinda disappointed cause I liked the hero-heroine in the first book. I am not very interested in the third book but I sure am interested in the fourth book of the series.
no-way-jose
May 7, 2018Read Eve Recinella 3 stars review.
Hero humiliates heroine. He’s a douchebag and she’s a doormat. 😒
Hero humiliates heroine. He’s a douchebag and she’s a doormat. 😒
October 20, 2018
Aiden is haunted by the memories of his past and hides behind his impressive large physique, he's abrupt and a stickler for security. He has been bedding Cami for a while with no strings attached and unable to commit anything more to her until it hits him that Cami means a lot more to him than just a casual romp between the sheets. Now he needs to learn how to wine, dine and romance her and hope that she doesn't break his heart. I really like this second book in the series, I love the friendship between all of the characters and the way they all care for each other. Aiden is a sexy hunk who needed to let Cami change his hard outlook on life and teach him how to let go of his past and trust her. All this with some hot sex, drama and action thrown into the mix all makes an interesting story line.
April 13, 2018
He's the life of the party when everyone's around. Aiden knows how to turn on the charm and make the whole world his stage, but when the lights tone down and the crowds disappear his demons continue to haunt and push him around. Cami brings light into an often dark place. She sees the shadows that linger in his eyes and longs to rescue his soul. Can the boy that nobody wanted become the man she needs him to be? A broken heart, a damaged soul and an unlikely heroine light up the night with compassion and romance. Moreland fires up the senses with some wicked temptation and heartfelt motivation. Inspiration is only an alpha away.
November 22, 2022
It's over the top. It's ridiculous.
But it requires 1 brain cell to listen to and that's precisely what I need as I crawl my way through Babel.
But it requires 1 brain cell to listen to and that's precisely what I need as I crawl my way through Babel.
March 29, 2018
How could someone break my heart, yet make me want them with just one look?
I swear, it’s like Melanie Moreland has a VIP pass to my heart or something. Otherwise, how else would she—her books and her characters—manage to find her way in time after time?
Aiden is . . . well, wonderful. Heartfelt and sexy, a little suspenseful and a whole lot captivating. Basically, I loved every page, every interaction, every hint and taste and tease.
And oh, OH, how I loved the titular character. I mean, what’s not to love about a man who cares so deeply but can’t see it or accept it; a man who’s a jerk but so lovable at the same damn time? With Aiden, Ms. Moreland found that sweet spot that’s so hard to nail—the alpha who balances asshole with sweetheart—and did it with ease.
With ease—that’s also a great way to describe how this book is written. With skill and a knowledge of her readers, Ms. Moreland makes Aiden the kind of unputdownable romance that I’ve come to expect from her. From sassy, soft-hearted heroines, to a male friendship that’s as authentic as it is kinda hot (am I allowed to think that?!), Aiden has all the feels and all the things and all of my heart.
Which, I suppose, shouldn’t be surprising, given that all-access pass she’s managed to acquire. Not that I’m complaining—especially not with MY Maddox up next.
“I wanted you to smile. I love it when you smile. I especially love it when you smile at me.”
~ FIVE Sunshine STARS ~
I swear, it’s like Melanie Moreland has a VIP pass to my heart or something. Otherwise, how else would she—her books and her characters—manage to find her way in time after time?
Aiden is . . . well, wonderful. Heartfelt and sexy, a little suspenseful and a whole lot captivating. Basically, I loved every page, every interaction, every hint and taste and tease.
And oh, OH, how I loved the titular character. I mean, what’s not to love about a man who cares so deeply but can’t see it or accept it; a man who’s a jerk but so lovable at the same damn time? With Aiden, Ms. Moreland found that sweet spot that’s so hard to nail—the alpha who balances asshole with sweetheart—and did it with ease.
With ease—that’s also a great way to describe how this book is written. With skill and a knowledge of her readers, Ms. Moreland makes Aiden the kind of unputdownable romance that I’ve come to expect from her. From sassy, soft-hearted heroines, to a male friendship that’s as authentic as it is kinda hot (am I allowed to think that?!), Aiden has all the feels and all the things and all of my heart.
Which, I suppose, shouldn’t be surprising, given that all-access pass she’s managed to acquire. Not that I’m complaining—especially not with MY Maddox up next.
“I wanted you to smile. I love it when you smile. I especially love it when you smile at me.”
~ FIVE Sunshine STARS ~
December 8, 2019
Aiden Callaghan had a very hard childhood, one that has left deep scars. He has trust issues, emotional issues and doesnt believe in love. He is open and honest with the women he sees, it is sex only and can never be nothing more.
Enter Cami Wilson, best friend to Emily, who is dating Bentley, his best friend. What starts as an agreed sexual relationship soon gets clouded as Cami see through the facade that Aiden shows everyone. Soon she develops feelings,maybe love, but Aiden isnt open to it, he can't give her what she deserves.
But when he life is at risk he will do anything to keep her safe. He will also see that maybe he can be what she needs. Maybe there is hope for him, for them.
Enter Cami Wilson, best friend to Emily, who is dating Bentley, his best friend. What starts as an agreed sexual relationship soon gets clouded as Cami see through the facade that Aiden shows everyone. Soon she develops feelings,maybe love, but Aiden isnt open to it, he can't give her what she deserves.
But when he life is at risk he will do anything to keep her safe. He will also see that maybe he can be what she needs. Maybe there is hope for him, for them.
November 24, 2024
1.5 star generously rounded up because I finished and it did have a lot of potential
But this is one of the most frustrating books I've read in a while.
We have the 'I love you but I can't be with you because I don't deserve you' kinda hero, Aiden.
Abused and neglected as a child he apparently never learnt how to cope with that part of his life even now in his adult, billionaire-successful kind of life.
And maybe if we knew what happened to him right from the get-go, we'd have some sort of sympathy and understanding towards him and his hot and cold, the cat-and-mouse playing sort of attitude towards our heroine.
Sadly, the author decided to keep the reader in the dark until the very end.
And that was a big mistake in my opinion.
Because despite my love for him in book 1, I srsly disliked him here because he was acting like an ass.
But, surprisingly (or maybe not), he wasn't even half as bad as Cami, our airheaded heroine.
A girl who wouldn't know what self-respect is even if it smack her on that stupid head of hers.
I often wondered throughout the story what kind of college she attended.
Was it some sort of school for dummies kinda thing?
Because with all due respect, this girl's intellect was non-existent and her ability to add two and two together seemed like a mission impossible.
She was the kind of heroine who was constantly rejected by Aiden and yet she kept coming back for some more hot sex despite the fact that every time after they fucked he told her he didn't want a relationship or to be with her.
And yet not once did it click in Cami's head that maybe, just fucking maybe, she should let it go and stop acting like a cheap desperate hoe and learn what self-respect means.
Don't even talk to me about her interactions with that Louiza psycho girl.
Seriously, Aiden should wear that 'I'm with stupid' T-shirt every time they are in public so that everyone would know what to expect.
And I really hope the guys will get him one of those in book 3.
Will I be there to see that and how things go with Maddox and Dee?
Not sure now.
I seriously believe that Dee, being Cami's sister, shares the same level of intellect and tbh I didn't like her in either book 1 or here.
I did like Maddox, true.
But I also liked Aiden in book 1 and look where it got me.
Hence the disappointment.
And the rating.
But this is one of the most frustrating books I've read in a while.
We have the 'I love you but I can't be with you because I don't deserve you' kinda hero, Aiden.
Abused and neglected as a child he apparently never learnt how to cope with that part of his life even now in his adult, billionaire-successful kind of life.
And maybe if we knew what happened to him right from the get-go, we'd have some sort of sympathy and understanding towards him and his hot and cold, the cat-and-mouse playing sort of attitude towards our heroine.
Sadly, the author decided to keep the reader in the dark until the very end.
And that was a big mistake in my opinion.
Because despite my love for him in book 1, I srsly disliked him here because he was acting like an ass.
But, surprisingly (or maybe not), he wasn't even half as bad as Cami, our airheaded heroine.
A girl who wouldn't know what self-respect is even if it smack her on that stupid head of hers.
I often wondered throughout the story what kind of college she attended.
Was it some sort of school for dummies kinda thing?
Because with all due respect, this girl's intellect was non-existent and her ability to add two and two together seemed like a mission impossible.
She was the kind of heroine who was constantly rejected by Aiden and yet she kept coming back for some more hot sex despite the fact that every time after they fucked he told her he didn't want a relationship or to be with her.
And yet not once did it click in Cami's head that maybe, just fucking maybe, she should let it go and stop acting like a cheap desperate hoe and learn what self-respect means.
Don't even talk to me about her interactions with that Louiza psycho girl.
Seriously, Aiden should wear that 'I'm with stupid' T-shirt every time they are in public so that everyone would know what to expect.
And I really hope the guys will get him one of those in book 3.
Will I be there to see that and how things go with Maddox and Dee?
Not sure now.
I seriously believe that Dee, being Cami's sister, shares the same level of intellect and tbh I didn't like her in either book 1 or here.
I did like Maddox, true.
But I also liked Aiden in book 1 and look where it got me.
Hence the disappointment.
And the rating.
May 9, 2018
Okay, it’s taken me a couple of days to come out of my book coma after reading Aiden and trying to work out a visitation/sharing agreement. P.S. I lost. Totally lost. Anyway . . . Back to Aiden.
I was totally drawn to Aiden in Bentley, knew he had so many layers to peel back to get to the *real* amazing man he is. I love how he allowed himself to be vulnerable to Cami. How she finally cracked through his façade and forced her way into his life.
Aiden’s past is so painful. His self-loathing coming from a deep place in his psyche. That he felt so unlovable due to the actions and words of others. He’s truly a force of nature—his survival instincts amazing. His ability to get through some of the biggest challenges, without blinking, is astounding. He’s found a way to work around his limitations, and he’s found an amazing support system by way of Bentley and Maddox and their friendship.
And Cami. She’s fantastic too. Loved how she loved Aiden enough to get him through, to see the way toward love and acceptance. Yes, she has the patience level of a saint when it comes to Aiden and his antics, but she sees the man underneath all the bluster and knows he and their relationship will work in the end. Well, she was mostly sure . . .
Aiden is a great story of love, acceptance, and friendship. I can’t wait for Maddox and his story next! ~ Missy, 5 stars
I was totally drawn to Aiden in Bentley, knew he had so many layers to peel back to get to the *real* amazing man he is. I love how he allowed himself to be vulnerable to Cami. How she finally cracked through his façade and forced her way into his life.
Aiden’s past is so painful. His self-loathing coming from a deep place in his psyche. That he felt so unlovable due to the actions and words of others. He’s truly a force of nature—his survival instincts amazing. His ability to get through some of the biggest challenges, without blinking, is astounding. He’s found a way to work around his limitations, and he’s found an amazing support system by way of Bentley and Maddox and their friendship.
And Cami. She’s fantastic too. Loved how she loved Aiden enough to get him through, to see the way toward love and acceptance. Yes, she has the patience level of a saint when it comes to Aiden and his antics, but she sees the man underneath all the bluster and knows he and their relationship will work in the end. Well, she was mostly sure . . .
Aiden is a great story of love, acceptance, and friendship. I can’t wait for Maddox and his story next! ~ Missy, 5 stars
April 8, 2018
Melanie Moreland has done it again!
I love the boys of BAM, their friendship is so strong and they look out for each other like family, and I adore their banter! I couldn't wait for Aiden's story after Bentley and I was not disappointed.
Aiden is all Alpha, strong and strict, but once you break through his outer walls to friendship he will protect you with everything he has. The prologue gives us an insight into his childhood, and how he views himself, it's heart-breaking and we can see why he believes he has to close himself off.
I found Cami to be so relatable, she is strong and kind, open and giving. She doesn't like to be unkind, always trying to consider other peoples feelings. She is smart and funny and loves fiercely!
I was rooting for this couple, both such likeable characters and clearly destined for one another. I was hoping Cami could reach Aiden through his demons. The secondary characters are also important and I liked how they had developed since 'Bentley', the whole group are tightly connected and treat each other like a family that they have chosen.
There is a suspenseful element to the story that had me holding my breath, the author got the feeling here exactly right, with the tension and uncertainty keeping you on edge.
I highly recommend reading this series, and I cannot wait to find out more about Maddox.
I love the boys of BAM, their friendship is so strong and they look out for each other like family, and I adore their banter! I couldn't wait for Aiden's story after Bentley and I was not disappointed.
Aiden is all Alpha, strong and strict, but once you break through his outer walls to friendship he will protect you with everything he has. The prologue gives us an insight into his childhood, and how he views himself, it's heart-breaking and we can see why he believes he has to close himself off.
I found Cami to be so relatable, she is strong and kind, open and giving. She doesn't like to be unkind, always trying to consider other peoples feelings. She is smart and funny and loves fiercely!
I was rooting for this couple, both such likeable characters and clearly destined for one another. I was hoping Cami could reach Aiden through his demons. The secondary characters are also important and I liked how they had developed since 'Bentley', the whole group are tightly connected and treat each other like a family that they have chosen.
There is a suspenseful element to the story that had me holding my breath, the author got the feeling here exactly right, with the tension and uncertainty keeping you on edge.
I highly recommend reading this series, and I cannot wait to find out more about Maddox.
April 28, 2018
Aiden by Melanie Moreland is phenomenal! I absolutely love the way Moreland gives her readers all the feels with both realistic and bold characters, as well as storylines that capture your heart.
Aiden is a tortured soul, who battles the demons of his past even though he has reached great success. He is an example that each of us hold onto things that have shaped us from a young age. However, he also shows us what determination and loyalty to friends can do to help build a life full of fulfillment and courage.
Cami is one of my all time favorite female leads. She is so soulful and sassy and compassionate and fierce. She seriously has such a incredible understanding of Aiden that it’s enough to catch him off guard and makes him want things he never thought possible.
“His Soul was damaged, and as much as I wanted to help him, he had to want that from me.”
Aiden is a 5 Star must read that will keep you up reading way past your bedtime!
Aiden is a tortured soul, who battles the demons of his past even though he has reached great success. He is an example that each of us hold onto things that have shaped us from a young age. However, he also shows us what determination and loyalty to friends can do to help build a life full of fulfillment and courage.
Cami is one of my all time favorite female leads. She is so soulful and sassy and compassionate and fierce. She seriously has such a incredible understanding of Aiden that it’s enough to catch him off guard and makes him want things he never thought possible.
“His Soul was damaged, and as much as I wanted to help him, he had to want that from me.”
Aiden is a 5 Star must read that will keep you up reading way past your bedtime!
December 14, 2023
I lost count of how many times this heroine was rejected by Aiden... and she still kept going back.
Girl, i get it, you like him and stuff... but when someone tells you they can't give you more, they only need to tell you ONCE.
If you continue to expect and hope for more, you are a pathetic loser.
As a woman, you should NEVER beg to be loved.
Never.
This was embarrassing and gross to read.
Lol, when she compared herself to her stalker Louisa, i literally laughed out lout because that is EXACTLY what I thought.
You hit the nail, now MOVE ON and STAND UP.
Author, what's the point in making your heroine a desperate pathetic loser, chasing after a man...
This heroine ruined this book for me.
Women should have pride and self-respect.
Girl, i get it, you like him and stuff... but when someone tells you they can't give you more, they only need to tell you ONCE.
If you continue to expect and hope for more, you are a pathetic loser.
As a woman, you should NEVER beg to be loved.
Never.
This was embarrassing and gross to read.
Lol, when she compared herself to her stalker Louisa, i literally laughed out lout because that is EXACTLY what I thought.
You hit the nail, now MOVE ON and STAND UP.
Author, what's the point in making your heroine a desperate pathetic loser, chasing after a man...
This heroine ruined this book for me.
Women should have pride and self-respect.
February 12, 2019
I am not a big fan on Aiden. I was expecting more from Aiden, the fun and larger than life character. But it turns out he is.... rather flat. Shallow even. Even there is his POV, I still can not connect with him. His character development is jumble and rushed. So thats left Cami as hopeless damsel in distress.
The stalking plot is so weak and un believable. The story can not give the characters to develop more. What I like is the romance sweet swooning words from Miss Moreland. In summary I still enjoy the book but does not love it.
3 stars
The stalking plot is so weak and un believable. The story can not give the characters to develop more. What I like is the romance sweet swooning words from Miss Moreland. In summary I still enjoy the book but does not love it.
3 stars
February 5, 2019
Reread
My rating: 3 stars
Ow drama: nope
Om drama: nope
Cheating: nope
H celibate during separation: yes
Triggers: yes but mild
Good things: no drama
Bad things: no grovel
My thoughts: where is my grovel??????
My rating: 3 stars
Ow drama: nope
Om drama: nope
Cheating: nope
H celibate during separation: yes
Triggers: yes but mild
Good things: no drama
Bad things: no grovel
My thoughts: where is my grovel??????
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