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Vince Morrison, known to most people as Van.
Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all.
Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else.
But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested.
Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM.
Talented, private, and intriguing, she touches something inside him he can’t deny.
He wants to know her. In every possible way.
He wants her to know him.
Her past tells her to stay clear. Van is everything that she wants, and exactly what she cannot have. She has someone else to think of who is more important.
Can either of them risk their hearts?
Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all.
Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else.
But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested.
Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM.
Talented, private, and intriguing, she touches something inside him he can’t deny.
He wants to know her. In every possible way.
He wants her to know him.
Her past tells her to stay clear. Van is everything that she wants, and exactly what she cannot have. She has someone else to think of who is more important.
Can either of them risk their hearts?
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 23, 2019
About the author
Melanie Moreland
63 books4,939 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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March 22, 2019
Van is book five in the Vested Interest series by Melanie Moreland. I loved this book so much. It can easily be read as a stand alone. I have not read any of the previous books in this series. As they normally do, characters do recur in each book and I find myself wanting to go back now and get some of their stories. But believe me when I say that in this book, one hundred percent of your attention and love will be on these two main characters.
Vance (Van) Morrison works for BAM, a huge land development business. A big part of Van’s job is overseeing his projects. But, he never hesitates to pick up his tools when an extra hand is needed. Van loves working with wood, he was taught by his father. So if picturing this huge hot hunk of man in a hard hat and tool belt isn’t enough, on the side, Van sings and plays guitar in a band. I’ll wait here while you take a few quick breaths into a brown paper bag.
Olivia (Liv) Rourke has worked for BAM for a little over a year as the head of their design team. She is a single parent to an adorable four year old daughter, Samantha (Sammy.) Prepare yourself for cuteness overload because this little girl steals the show.
“She was a forever, not a right now. And I didn’t do forever. I tried it once and it failed.”
Both Van and Liv have the utmost respect for each other and both have secret crushes on each other. But, they keep things strictly professional. They both carry the scars, visible and invisible, of their pasts. Neither of them wants to risk their hearts again and Liv has to protect her daughter. But, a chance meeting, and an innocent invitation from Sammy, makes them both question their resolve, and sets in motion events that will forever change their lives.
“There was something about her that drew me to her, and it had only grown in the months I had known her, no matter how I tried to fight it, or deny it”
Once Van and Liv decide to give things a chance between them, their feelings grow quickly. Maybe they felt this way all along and it just took this long to acknowledge it. Still, they had to walk a fine line between their professional lives and their private one. Van was a huge man and little Sammy so small. There is nothing sexier than seeing a big, burly man sit and play with a child. Van had such a connection to little Sammy. I think the first time she slipped her little hand into his big one, she became his.
“I knew once I fell for him, there would be no turning back and life would never be the same.”
Of course, there are obstacles that threaten their futures. I think what I loved about this book, though, is that no matter the challenges they faced, it didn’t distance them from each other, but drove them closer. Made Van more determined to protect the two people that have become so important to him, his girls.
“I’ve got you Livvy. Both of you.”
I already said it once but it needs repeating. I loved this book. I loved these two so much. It’s sexy and steamy, sweet, endearing, and just wonderful. You won’t be forgetting these characters anytime soon. Don’t even get me started on the epilogue. It was wonderful. Melanie made my eyes water more than once in this book but they were happy tears! Have I convinced you yet? I hope so. Either start here or go back to the beginning of the series, either one. Just don’t miss this wonderful book.
“With him, I was home.”
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...
Vance (Van) Morrison works for BAM, a huge land development business. A big part of Van’s job is overseeing his projects. But, he never hesitates to pick up his tools when an extra hand is needed. Van loves working with wood, he was taught by his father. So if picturing this huge hot hunk of man in a hard hat and tool belt isn’t enough, on the side, Van sings and plays guitar in a band. I’ll wait here while you take a few quick breaths into a brown paper bag.
Olivia (Liv) Rourke has worked for BAM for a little over a year as the head of their design team. She is a single parent to an adorable four year old daughter, Samantha (Sammy.) Prepare yourself for cuteness overload because this little girl steals the show.
“She was a forever, not a right now. And I didn’t do forever. I tried it once and it failed.”
Both Van and Liv have the utmost respect for each other and both have secret crushes on each other. But, they keep things strictly professional. They both carry the scars, visible and invisible, of their pasts. Neither of them wants to risk their hearts again and Liv has to protect her daughter. But, a chance meeting, and an innocent invitation from Sammy, makes them both question their resolve, and sets in motion events that will forever change their lives.
“There was something about her that drew me to her, and it had only grown in the months I had known her, no matter how I tried to fight it, or deny it”
Once Van and Liv decide to give things a chance between them, their feelings grow quickly. Maybe they felt this way all along and it just took this long to acknowledge it. Still, they had to walk a fine line between their professional lives and their private one. Van was a huge man and little Sammy so small. There is nothing sexier than seeing a big, burly man sit and play with a child. Van had such a connection to little Sammy. I think the first time she slipped her little hand into his big one, she became his.
“I knew once I fell for him, there would be no turning back and life would never be the same.”
Of course, there are obstacles that threaten their futures. I think what I loved about this book, though, is that no matter the challenges they faced, it didn’t distance them from each other, but drove them closer. Made Van more determined to protect the two people that have become so important to him, his girls.
“I’ve got you Livvy. Both of you.”
I already said it once but it needs repeating. I loved this book. I loved these two so much. It’s sexy and steamy, sweet, endearing, and just wonderful. You won’t be forgetting these characters anytime soon. Don’t even get me started on the epilogue. It was wonderful. Melanie made my eyes water more than once in this book but they were happy tears! Have I convinced you yet? I hope so. Either start here or go back to the beginning of the series, either one. Just don’t miss this wonderful book.
“With him, I was home.”
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...
March 21, 2019
I am totally swooning right now! And it’s all because of Van.
Van and Olivia have worked together for the past year. While he didn’t feel an immediate drive to pursue her, he now finds himself realizing he hasn’t been with another woman since he first met her. He finds her intriguing and sets out to learn more. Little by little he begins to dig beneath the layers to find the true heart of her and in the process learns to let down his own walls.
Olivia has had to stand on her own for a long time and as a single mother it has been a lonely journey. When Van begins to make things personal between them, she struggles to give in. She’s been hurt and it’s not an easy thing to let go of. But with his undying patience, as well as his gentle caring and carefree ways with her daughter, she yields. Van won me over long before he won Olivia and I was ranting at her to just do it already…but the slow burn was so much sweeter for the wait. Darn it!
I loved this couple together. And we get plenty of couple time here and is something I crave. Add in a little glitter princess “Mouse” and you’ve got the makings of a complete swoonfest! And on my gosh did I swoon! There is nothing like a big burly hero who works with his hands, covered in glitter.
I felt this was a pretty low angst read despite the conflict that arises later in the story. I did feel the tension and the emotion of the situation, but because I knew Ms. Moreland was going to give me a happy ending I wasn’t worried things would go south. I just wasn’t sure how they were going to resolve the problem.
The steam level here is pretty high but the story is not saturated with sex scenes. The thing that shines through the most is the care and trust this couple have for each other. This is simply put a beautiful story with a trio of characters that have stolen my heart.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Van and Olivia have worked together for the past year. While he didn’t feel an immediate drive to pursue her, he now finds himself realizing he hasn’t been with another woman since he first met her. He finds her intriguing and sets out to learn more. Little by little he begins to dig beneath the layers to find the true heart of her and in the process learns to let down his own walls.
Olivia has had to stand on her own for a long time and as a single mother it has been a lonely journey. When Van begins to make things personal between them, she struggles to give in. She’s been hurt and it’s not an easy thing to let go of. But with his undying patience, as well as his gentle caring and carefree ways with her daughter, she yields. Van won me over long before he won Olivia and I was ranting at her to just do it already…but the slow burn was so much sweeter for the wait. Darn it!
I loved this couple together. And we get plenty of couple time here and is something I crave. Add in a little glitter princess “Mouse” and you’ve got the makings of a complete swoonfest! And on my gosh did I swoon! There is nothing like a big burly hero who works with his hands, covered in glitter.
I felt this was a pretty low angst read despite the conflict that arises later in the story. I did feel the tension and the emotion of the situation, but because I knew Ms. Moreland was going to give me a happy ending I wasn’t worried things would go south. I just wasn’t sure how they were going to resolve the problem.
The steam level here is pretty high but the story is not saturated with sex scenes. The thing that shines through the most is the care and trust this couple have for each other. This is simply put a beautiful story with a trio of characters that have stolen my heart.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
March 25, 2019
Van is the fifth novel in the Vested Interest series and it’s an amazing addition to that series! This book is another Melanie Moreland book that I added to my favorites-shelf. I loved so much about this book, from that hot cover to that lovely epilogue. The progress was great and I didn’t want to stop reading.
I absolutely love Van and Olivia. Van is hardworking, sweet, caring, protective, reliable, talented and strong. He works for BAM as a carpenter and a foreman. When he needs to do something, he’ll do it. Van has felt something for Olivia for a long time, but his past has been keeping him from giving it a shot. Finding real love hasn’t been easy, but Van will find it with Olivia. Van deserves all the love and happiness he’ll find in this book.
Olivia is a kindhearted, talented, smart, fierce and loving woman. She works as a designer and she works a lot, but she loves her job. Olivia sees Van at work. She likes being around him. She also likes watching him play the guitar and perform on stage. Olivia has been hurt in love before and she has someone to think about before giving away her heart, but her heart is safe with Van. She knows he’s different. Olivia, too, deserves all the love and happiness she’ll have at the end.
I’m really loving the Vested Interest series and the BAM family. I fell in love with each couple. It wasn’t any different with Van and Olivia. They are a solid, loveable and strong couple. Nothing can separate them. Van and Olivia have great friends! The secondary characters are amazing. Little Sammy is so cute and adorable. I loved her bond with Van. He would do anything for Sammy. I’m already hoping for another book in this series and I know whose book I want.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
I absolutely love Van and Olivia. Van is hardworking, sweet, caring, protective, reliable, talented and strong. He works for BAM as a carpenter and a foreman. When he needs to do something, he’ll do it. Van has felt something for Olivia for a long time, but his past has been keeping him from giving it a shot. Finding real love hasn’t been easy, but Van will find it with Olivia. Van deserves all the love and happiness he’ll find in this book.
Olivia is a kindhearted, talented, smart, fierce and loving woman. She works as a designer and she works a lot, but she loves her job. Olivia sees Van at work. She likes being around him. She also likes watching him play the guitar and perform on stage. Olivia has been hurt in love before and she has someone to think about before giving away her heart, but her heart is safe with Van. She knows he’s different. Olivia, too, deserves all the love and happiness she’ll have at the end.
I’m really loving the Vested Interest series and the BAM family. I fell in love with each couple. It wasn’t any different with Van and Olivia. They are a solid, loveable and strong couple. Nothing can separate them. Van and Olivia have great friends! The secondary characters are amazing. Little Sammy is so cute and adorable. I loved her bond with Van. He would do anything for Sammy. I’m already hoping for another book in this series and I know whose book I want.
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
March 25, 2019
4 Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Vince Morrison aka Van is a 39 yr. old single guy living in Toronto. He works for a successful company called BAM where he mostly dealt with the land development side of things, where he enjoyed flipping houses, custom woodwork, and overseeing crews. He’d always been able to build or create anything and loved having a job where he could do demolition and rebuilding. Van often worked alongside the head of their design team Olivia Rourke. She’d joined their team over a year ago, and was in charge of the decorating. As a designer she took care of all the aspects of the final look. They worked well together as they kept busy with their crews and various new projects.
Van had been intrigued by Liv’s talent and beauty from the moment he met her, but had labeled her off limits. As his co-worker he could never act on his attraction. Their relationship had always been strictly professional, but lately something had shifted between them. He was even more aware of her and didn’t know if he could hold back any longer. He’d always been a bit of a loner and didn’t do relationships, but he wanted to explore what was between them. They shared a connection that just felt tight, but just because Van wants something more with her, that doesn’t mean Liv is ready. She couldn’t deny she was drawn to Van, but she had a troubled, messy past that made her overly cautious. She had other priorities and trust issues, but soon Van breaks through her walls. This gentle giant went from co-worker to friend, to lover and protector in the blink of an eye. She just couldn’t resist this massive, beautiful man with a compassionate soul and a heart of gold.
Van is book 5 in the Vested Interest series. He was super swoony. I really enjoyed this story and love this series of close friends that are like one big family. I liked getting more of all the other men too, and hope we get more books in this series!
-I wasn’t in the market for a relationship, but somehow my heart hadn’t got that message.
-The feel of her hands on my body was heaven. I had never felt touches so gentle and warm. They made me ache with a tenderness that overwhelmed me. Caught me off guard yet felt as if I had come home.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2HUvWn1
(ARC provided by author)
Vince Morrison aka Van is a 39 yr. old single guy living in Toronto. He works for a successful company called BAM where he mostly dealt with the land development side of things, where he enjoyed flipping houses, custom woodwork, and overseeing crews. He’d always been able to build or create anything and loved having a job where he could do demolition and rebuilding. Van often worked alongside the head of their design team Olivia Rourke. She’d joined their team over a year ago, and was in charge of the decorating. As a designer she took care of all the aspects of the final look. They worked well together as they kept busy with their crews and various new projects.
Van had been intrigued by Liv’s talent and beauty from the moment he met her, but had labeled her off limits. As his co-worker he could never act on his attraction. Their relationship had always been strictly professional, but lately something had shifted between them. He was even more aware of her and didn’t know if he could hold back any longer. He’d always been a bit of a loner and didn’t do relationships, but he wanted to explore what was between them. They shared a connection that just felt tight, but just because Van wants something more with her, that doesn’t mean Liv is ready. She couldn’t deny she was drawn to Van, but she had a troubled, messy past that made her overly cautious. She had other priorities and trust issues, but soon Van breaks through her walls. This gentle giant went from co-worker to friend, to lover and protector in the blink of an eye. She just couldn’t resist this massive, beautiful man with a compassionate soul and a heart of gold.
Van is book 5 in the Vested Interest series. He was super swoony. I really enjoyed this story and love this series of close friends that are like one big family. I liked getting more of all the other men too, and hope we get more books in this series!
-I wasn’t in the market for a relationship, but somehow my heart hadn’t got that message.
-The feel of her hands on my body was heaven. I had never felt touches so gentle and warm. They made me ache with a tenderness that overwhelmed me. Caught me off guard yet felt as if I had come home.
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2HUvWn1
March 25, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
Between them her tea set was arranged on the table, many of her stuffed animals gathered around it… Van sat on the floor, his legs crossed, a few animals on his lap. A blue boa was draped around his neck, and a tiara sat askew on his head, the plastic gems glittering in the light. He held out his cup, his pinkie extended, no doubt having been schooled in proper tea party etiquette by Sammy, murmuring his thanks for more “tea.”
Call it experience or friendly advice, but if you’re gonna kiss your girl in the office, make sure to wipe the lip gloss off your mouth before pretending it never happened… Pink isn’t really your color.
Hal smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile, but rather the kind which happens right before the monster eats you.
My Review:
Van, both the book and the character, were perfection. This deftly written story is a supreme example of my favorite type of book and reason for reading. The premise was relevant, interesting, and entertaining and cast with characters who were realistically flawed while totally appealing and disarmingly endearing. As expected, Ms. Moreland’s storylines were artfully crafted and expertly paced while tapping all the feels and filling my heart with a glitter bomb of delight. And bonus round, the enticing and alluring main characters were gratefully supportive, passionate, and nurturing towards each other rather than engaged in constant conflict or battling their attraction. I was totally enamored and thoroughly smitten with the thoughtful and tender care the gentle giant Van extended toward the women in his life. I have fallen head-over-heels with every book in this divinely written series featuring the men of BAM and hope it continues into perpetuity. Melanie Moreland has mad skills.
Between them her tea set was arranged on the table, many of her stuffed animals gathered around it… Van sat on the floor, his legs crossed, a few animals on his lap. A blue boa was draped around his neck, and a tiara sat askew on his head, the plastic gems glittering in the light. He held out his cup, his pinkie extended, no doubt having been schooled in proper tea party etiquette by Sammy, murmuring his thanks for more “tea.”
Call it experience or friendly advice, but if you’re gonna kiss your girl in the office, make sure to wipe the lip gloss off your mouth before pretending it never happened… Pink isn’t really your color.
Hal smiled. It wasn’t a pleasant smile, but rather the kind which happens right before the monster eats you.
My Review:
Van, both the book and the character, were perfection. This deftly written story is a supreme example of my favorite type of book and reason for reading. The premise was relevant, interesting, and entertaining and cast with characters who were realistically flawed while totally appealing and disarmingly endearing. As expected, Ms. Moreland’s storylines were artfully crafted and expertly paced while tapping all the feels and filling my heart with a glitter bomb of delight. And bonus round, the enticing and alluring main characters were gratefully supportive, passionate, and nurturing towards each other rather than engaged in constant conflict or battling their attraction. I was totally enamored and thoroughly smitten with the thoughtful and tender care the gentle giant Van extended toward the women in his life. I have fallen head-over-heels with every book in this divinely written series featuring the men of BAM and hope it continues into perpetuity. Melanie Moreland has mad skills.
May 1, 2019
Great hero, strong heroine, amazing ending.
4.5 stars
"I've learned to be grateful for small things. In the end, they make life worth living."
"A smart person once told me that with time and effort, what was broken can be mended," I stated. "If a person is willing to put in the time, you can create something beautiful—and lasting."
4.5 stars
April 1, 2024
🌟Brief Summary:
Book 5 in this series and still going strong. Reading this series is like watching your favorite TV family. You get to revisit all your favorite characters and continue to watch them live their HEA.
We don’t know to much about Van and Livy but we do get a good peek at them in book 4.
I’m surprised how much I like this one. Since book 3 I didn’t like at all. It’s similar to book 1 & 4 which I enjoyed a lot.
‼️It’s a VERY SWEET romance.
‼️Single mom trope
‼️He can’t have kids
‼️HE ADOPTS HER CHILD and they adopt more.
‼️The super sweet moment between her kid and the H 💕
‼️He’s all in
‼️They had sad tragic past relationships and find true love and happiness with each other.
‼️Lots more of chemistry ❤️🔥
‼️Made Family
‼️Slight OM/OW
‼️Not a celibate mommy she tried dating & had a BF after her daughter was born🥳
‼️Relationship based read
‼️They heal each other
‼️We get to see our beloved past characters
💯This series has an overall plot where they all work for the same company that’s kinda a big giant family. The couples all have issues and heal through opening up and finding love all the while we have the company business they work together to build and make stronger. They always come together to help each other.
‼️Van and Livy have been working together for 1 year. They are attracted to each other but have kept it professional until neither can fight it anymore.
But they have personal and professional obstacles to overcome come.
🥀 Hero:
Van- 39
Head of their construction department and in a band that plays occasionally.
He has a bad relationship in his 20s were the woman cheated w his BF and lied to him about who she was. But he didnt find out until after they were in a car accident and she dies.
He loved her and wanted a family w her. But in the end he found out that he didn’t know her. He isn’t pining away about the loss. He is jaded about the betrayal.
He also finds out that he can’t have children cause of the crash.
He doesn’t do relationships since. Until Livy and then he falls TRULY in love for the first time in his life.
We do know that what he feels for the h is so much more and truer than the dead ex. He has no grief for her.
🦋 Heroine:
Livy- 32 and a single mom of a 5yr old.
She is a interior designer
She has been in abusive relationships or been with men that couldn’t commit to her child.
Her father was abusive
She’s a great mom and dedicated to her daughter. And hard worker but she has emotional issues from her past. She doesn’t trust that a man won’t hurt her or her daughter. So she has given up on love.
She puts up some walls in the beginning
‼️Will say that at times she got annoying. Making a good man pay for a douche from her past isn’t my jam.
💭 POV:
First person duel
Audio is good or decent not perfect but better than others
Narrators were pretty good it a easy listen
🔥 Burn Rate:
Medium
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes yes yes lots of steamy sex and chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes I would say the H is the main pursuer
The h pushes him away in the beginning
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
Mild OW- a groupie that stalks the band try’s to cause trouble. The H shuts it down fast
Mild OM- the h ex comes back but he doesn’t want her just their daughter
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None
H- he isn’t a manwhore. But when he was in his 20s in a band he had his fair share of woman. Since his relationship ended he has had hookups. But he’s no hoe.
💯HE HAS BEEN CELIBATE SINCE MEETING THE h🥳🥳 so just over a year.
h- she had a relationship with her baby daddy but he was verbally abusive. They broke up before her daughter was born.
She dated and had a BF for 9mo after her daughter was born.
💯She was celibate for about a year and a half.SO CELIBATE AFTER MEETING H and a bit before.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None but in the beginning after they kinda start she puts the breaks on it for a few weeks
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Sterile man
Death of a ex
Adoption
Verbal abuse from a ex
No condoms
Talks of safety
🌈Epilogue:
Yes omg it was so sweeeeeet ❤️
🥂HEA:
Yes
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
Book 5 in this series and still going strong. Reading this series is like watching your favorite TV family. You get to revisit all your favorite characters and continue to watch them live their HEA.
We don’t know to much about Van and Livy but we do get a good peek at them in book 4.
I’m surprised how much I like this one. Since book 3 I didn’t like at all. It’s similar to book 1 & 4 which I enjoyed a lot.
‼️It’s a VERY SWEET romance.
‼️Single mom trope
‼️He can’t have kids
‼️HE ADOPTS HER CHILD and they adopt more.
‼️The super sweet moment between her kid and the H 💕
‼️He’s all in
‼️They had sad tragic past relationships and find true love and happiness with each other.
‼️Lots more of chemistry ❤️🔥
‼️Made Family
‼️Slight OM/OW
‼️Not a celibate mommy she tried dating & had a BF after her daughter was born🥳
‼️Relationship based read
‼️They heal each other
‼️We get to see our beloved past characters
💯This series has an overall plot where they all work for the same company that’s kinda a big giant family. The couples all have issues and heal through opening up and finding love all the while we have the company business they work together to build and make stronger. They always come together to help each other.
‼️Van and Livy have been working together for 1 year. They are attracted to each other but have kept it professional until neither can fight it anymore.
But they have personal and professional obstacles to overcome come.
🥀 Hero:
Van- 39
Head of their construction department and in a band that plays occasionally.
He has a bad relationship in his 20s were the woman cheated w his BF and lied to him about who she was. But he didnt find out until after they were in a car accident and she dies.
He loved her and wanted a family w her. But in the end he found out that he didn’t know her. He isn’t pining away about the loss. He is jaded about the betrayal.
He also finds out that he can’t have children cause of the crash.
He doesn’t do relationships since. Until Livy and then he falls TRULY in love for the first time in his life.
We do know that what he feels for the h is so much more and truer than the dead ex. He has no grief for her.
🦋 Heroine:
Livy- 32 and a single mom of a 5yr old.
She is a interior designer
She has been in abusive relationships or been with men that couldn’t commit to her child.
Her father was abusive
She’s a great mom and dedicated to her daughter. And hard worker but she has emotional issues from her past. She doesn’t trust that a man won’t hurt her or her daughter. So she has given up on love.
She puts up some walls in the beginning
‼️Will say that at times she got annoying. Making a good man pay for a douche from her past isn’t my jam.
💭 POV:
First person duel
Audio is good or decent not perfect but better than others
Narrators were pretty good it a easy listen
🔥 Burn Rate:
Medium
😡/😍 Angst level:
Low
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes yes yes lots of steamy sex and chemistry 🔥🔥🔥🔥
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes I would say the H is the main pursuer
The h pushes him away in the beginning
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
Mild OW- a groupie that stalks the band try’s to cause trouble. The H shuts it down fast
Mild OM- the h ex comes back but he doesn’t want her just their daughter
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None
H- he isn’t a manwhore. But when he was in his 20s in a band he had his fair share of woman. Since his relationship ended he has had hookups. But he’s no hoe.
💯HE HAS BEEN CELIBATE SINCE MEETING THE h🥳🥳 so just over a year.
h- she had a relationship with her baby daddy but he was verbally abusive. They broke up before her daughter was born.
She dated and had a BF for 9mo after her daughter was born.
💯She was celibate for about a year and a half.SO CELIBATE AFTER MEETING H and a bit before.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
None but in the beginning after they kinda start she puts the breaks on it for a few weeks
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Sterile man
Death of a ex
Adoption
Verbal abuse from a ex
No condoms
Talks of safety
🌈Epilogue:
Yes omg it was so sweeeeeet ❤️
🥂HEA:
Yes
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2019
What more can I say - But LOVED this handsome man -- All the Swoons!
I am going to break my rule and start with: If you've not read Melanie Moreland's Vested Interest series and want to start, here is a great place. This story not only is in the heart of the Vested Interest world, it is the heart of these characters. Ms. Moreland's storytelling shines with this friends to lovers story. You'll be back to tell me you'll be binging on the rest, because seriously - how can you resist engaging writing as this.
If you are a fan, you will not be disappointed - you'll be dancing in the book aisles with how swoony and touching this story truly is.
Yes, this is romance at it's finest as Van and Liv find their way to the HEA they deserve. However, there is one small element not to be ignored - Sammy. The story unfolds with the concern that faces so many modern relationships. How to blend families. To be honest, I'm not sure who Van falls in love with first - Liv or Sammy. But when this man falls, he falls hard. And no one or nothing is going to stop this loyal and protective man from making his family safe and happy.
For those of us already in love with the characters from the Vested Interest stories, Melanie Moreland does not disappoint as she has beloved characters return and visit as this love story unfolds.
This story is every reason why I love and adore the worlds and characters Melanie Moreland creates. It's contemporary romance at its finest effort of storytelling. I recommend you buy this treasure and binge on it today! PS: Ms Moreland once again proves why she is the queen of epilogues. *heart eyes abound*
5 plus stars and personal favorite!
I am going to break my rule and start with: If you've not read Melanie Moreland's Vested Interest series and want to start, here is a great place. This story not only is in the heart of the Vested Interest world, it is the heart of these characters. Ms. Moreland's storytelling shines with this friends to lovers story. You'll be back to tell me you'll be binging on the rest, because seriously - how can you resist engaging writing as this.
If you are a fan, you will not be disappointed - you'll be dancing in the book aisles with how swoony and touching this story truly is.
Yes, this is romance at it's finest as Van and Liv find their way to the HEA they deserve. However, there is one small element not to be ignored - Sammy. The story unfolds with the concern that faces so many modern relationships. How to blend families. To be honest, I'm not sure who Van falls in love with first - Liv or Sammy. But when this man falls, he falls hard. And no one or nothing is going to stop this loyal and protective man from making his family safe and happy.
For those of us already in love with the characters from the Vested Interest stories, Melanie Moreland does not disappoint as she has beloved characters return and visit as this love story unfolds.
This story is every reason why I love and adore the worlds and characters Melanie Moreland creates. It's contemporary romance at its finest effort of storytelling. I recommend you buy this treasure and binge on it today! PS: Ms Moreland once again proves why she is the queen of epilogues. *heart eyes abound*
5 plus stars and personal favorite!
March 13, 2019
Book Hangover alert!!! I loved this story so much. Vince ‘Van’ Morrison is no ordinary carpenter. By day a leader at work and by night he is a bit of a rock star, but always hiding the pain of a tragic past. He is at ALL times the swooniest of heroes.
“Gentle and sweet with her and those he loved, but fierce and stern with those who threatened them.”
Olivia ‘Livvy’ Rourke is a single mom to an amazing precocious little girl, Sammy (Mouse). Livvy has admired Van but has enough on her plate to juggle her career and raising her daughter on her own. But when her past starts to interfere she cannot handle it on her own.
“Nothing about you is ugly, Van. Your scars are a part of you—a part of your past that makes you who you are.”
“Who am I?” he asked, his voice so low, I had to strain to hear him.
“Mine,” I replied. “You’re mine.”
This is such a beautiful story. I could not resist rooting for Van, Livvy and Mouse to find their way past the struggles. And that epilogue... OMG! I was left with such a book-hangover, but SO worth it! #Swoon #AllTheStars
-5+ Stars-
“Gentle and sweet with her and those he loved, but fierce and stern with those who threatened them.”
Olivia ‘Livvy’ Rourke is a single mom to an amazing precocious little girl, Sammy (Mouse). Livvy has admired Van but has enough on her plate to juggle her career and raising her daughter on her own. But when her past starts to interfere she cannot handle it on her own.
“Nothing about you is ugly, Van. Your scars are a part of you—a part of your past that makes you who you are.”
“Who am I?” he asked, his voice so low, I had to strain to hear him.
“Mine,” I replied. “You’re mine.”
This is such a beautiful story. I could not resist rooting for Van, Livvy and Mouse to find their way past the struggles. And that epilogue... OMG! I was left with such a book-hangover, but SO worth it! #Swoon #AllTheStars
-5+ Stars-
March 6, 2019
With every book I finish in this series I say this one is my favorite. I hate to sound repetitive, but this is my new favorite in this series!!
Omg this book is sooo good! And Van..my new book boyfriend. He’s a gentle giant but also don’t very protective of his girls. The way he was with his “mouse” swoon!! Liv was a strong woman, loving mother and very professional. Both attracted to each other but both afraid to commit in a relationship.
So many emotions when reading this book. There was a few times I wanted to strangle a certain someone.
And that epilogue...it was amazing!!!❤️
5 STARS
Omg this book is sooo good! And Van..my new book boyfriend. He’s a gentle giant but also don’t very protective of his girls. The way he was with his “mouse” swoon!! Liv was a strong woman, loving mother and very professional. Both attracted to each other but both afraid to commit in a relationship.
So many emotions when reading this book. There was a few times I wanted to strangle a certain someone.
And that epilogue...it was amazing!!!❤️
5 STARS
March 19, 2019
***5 Stars***
I was really excited when it was announced that Van would be getting his HEA because after finishing Reid I was crossing my toes that he’d get a book because he was such a good guy and Ms. Moreland didn’t disappoint! It was everything from swoon worthy to frustrating to ovary exploding goodness and that epilogue...yeah, that one got me a little teary there, and so worth it after everything that happened in the book.
I adored Van and Livvy. Van, I liked going into the book, but after learning about his past and seeing the man put words into action? Yeah, hard not to adore him. He’s got that alpha vibe, but he is also conscientious, kind and honest which just makes the man that much sexier. Livvy is pretty amazing. She’s sweet, sassy and hard working and a wonderful mother to a very precocious little girl. She has wounds that ride her hard, but I loved watching as she worked at letting the past go.
Livvy and Van’s journey to their HEA was a fun one, sometimes frustrating, but a fun one. I had a love/hate thing going on as they danced around each other, I got why, but when so many signs point to “Just Do It”? Well, it’s hard not to be a little impatient. But it was totally worth it in the end. I loved how they truly got to know each other inside out and loved what they saw. Sammy, Livvy’s daughter, definitely played a huge roll in all of this and I loved how she brought them closer without knowing it. Of course there are some bumps in the road, but it all only made for a very well deserved HEA for all of them.
This was such a fun read, not that I expected less, but one never knows so I always have that safety in place in my mind. It was engaging and though it did deal with a few sensitive subjects, it was all handled very well. And then there is the Vested Interest/BAM crew, I loved catching up with all of them and seeing where they were at in their relationships and just had fun being that fly on the wall as they interacted with each other and showed just how much of a family they had become.
~ Copy provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions & voluntarily reviewed ~
I was really excited when it was announced that Van would be getting his HEA because after finishing Reid I was crossing my toes that he’d get a book because he was such a good guy and Ms. Moreland didn’t disappoint! It was everything from swoon worthy to frustrating to ovary exploding goodness and that epilogue...yeah, that one got me a little teary there, and so worth it after everything that happened in the book.
I adored Van and Livvy. Van, I liked going into the book, but after learning about his past and seeing the man put words into action? Yeah, hard not to adore him. He’s got that alpha vibe, but he is also conscientious, kind and honest which just makes the man that much sexier. Livvy is pretty amazing. She’s sweet, sassy and hard working and a wonderful mother to a very precocious little girl. She has wounds that ride her hard, but I loved watching as she worked at letting the past go.
Livvy and Van’s journey to their HEA was a fun one, sometimes frustrating, but a fun one. I had a love/hate thing going on as they danced around each other, I got why, but when so many signs point to “Just Do It”? Well, it’s hard not to be a little impatient. But it was totally worth it in the end. I loved how they truly got to know each other inside out and loved what they saw. Sammy, Livvy’s daughter, definitely played a huge roll in all of this and I loved how she brought them closer without knowing it. Of course there are some bumps in the road, but it all only made for a very well deserved HEA for all of them.
This was such a fun read, not that I expected less, but one never knows so I always have that safety in place in my mind. It was engaging and though it did deal with a few sensitive subjects, it was all handled very well. And then there is the Vested Interest/BAM crew, I loved catching up with all of them and seeing where they were at in their relationships and just had fun being that fly on the wall as they interacted with each other and showed just how much of a family they had become.
~ Copy provided by Enticing Journey Book Promotions & voluntarily reviewed ~
Want to read
March 23, 2019Carvanz said... "There is nothing like a big burly hero who works with his hands, covered in glitter." And I would have to agree <3
May 21, 2021
I was so invested in the whole BAM series. I even starting to like the next generation. Van is not coming with a bam.
Miss Moreland puts family as the center plot here. The plot, the pace is slow. Not much drama nor twist in the story.
Both characters are likeable. But just that. I want to like them more, but Miss Moreland does not give more. Sammy stealing the show.
Overall a good read in saturday morning.
3 stars
Miss Moreland puts family as the center plot here. The plot, the pace is slow. Not much drama nor twist in the story.
Both characters are likeable. But just that. I want to like them more, but Miss Moreland does not give more. Sammy stealing the show.
Overall a good read in saturday morning.
3 stars
June 15, 2019
I loved the Hero, Van and the heroine, Liv. Van is a great guy & has loved his coworker for a long time. He's been hesitant to say anything or act on his affection.
Van works construction by day & plays in a band at night. He's the song writer and the lead singer.
They play in clubs around Toronto. He doesn't realize that Liv is a fan and is quietly watching from the audience. Liv is a shy, but strong single mother to Sammy.
Liv is hesitant to let Sammy be exposed to anyone that might break their hearts.
Van is very gentle but comes on strong to protect Liv. They have a wonderfully sweet growing relationship. Liv is very capable at her job & their boss pairs them up on a big job.
I love the alpha/sometimes beta hero & the shy but strong heroine.
Sammy is very cute. She calls Van, "Mr Van" & Van calls Sammy "mouse".
This was a very sweet story & the ending and epilogue were great.
I won this ARC on Facebook author/reader event.
I loved Melanie Moreland's Over the Fence, so I was eager to read this book.
I want to check out the other books in this series.
Van works construction by day & plays in a band at night. He's the song writer and the lead singer.
They play in clubs around Toronto. He doesn't realize that Liv is a fan and is quietly watching from the audience. Liv is a shy, but strong single mother to Sammy.
Liv is hesitant to let Sammy be exposed to anyone that might break their hearts.
Van is very gentle but comes on strong to protect Liv. They have a wonderfully sweet growing relationship. Liv is very capable at her job & their boss pairs them up on a big job.
I love the alpha/sometimes beta hero & the shy but strong heroine.
Sammy is very cute. She calls Van, "Mr Van" & Van calls Sammy "mouse".
This was a very sweet story & the ending and epilogue were great.
I won this ARC on Facebook author/reader event.
I loved Melanie Moreland's Over the Fence, so I was eager to read this book.
I want to check out the other books in this series.
March 27, 2019
3 Cosy & Firm Stars
Van and Olivia (a.k.a. Liv) have worked together at BAM for about a year, and although Van didn’t feel an immediate keening drive to pursue her, he has now woken up to the fact that he hasn’t been with other women since he met her, and so sets out to learn more about her. Slowly Van and Liv learn more and more about each other, and begin a tentative relationship (this is a slow burn), and through their relationship both learn to let down their walls.
Oliva’s daughter Sammy was adorable, and Van’s engagement with her heart-warming, but I don’t know I didn’t find myself sighing potently in delight like I thought I would.
The last bit of this book I really, really loved, it was sweet and charming and lifted the book for me in an unexpected but happy way.
Again, like in previous books in this series, BAM feels like a fab place to work, since the bosses are always behind their employees.
Overall, I liked this read, and may possibly re-read.
Van and Olivia (a.k.a. Liv) have worked together at BAM for about a year, and although Van didn’t feel an immediate keening drive to pursue her, he has now woken up to the fact that he hasn’t been with other women since he met her, and so sets out to learn more about her. Slowly Van and Liv learn more and more about each other, and begin a tentative relationship (this is a slow burn), and through their relationship both learn to let down their walls.
Oliva’s daughter Sammy was adorable, and Van’s engagement with her heart-warming, but I don’t know I didn’t find myself sighing potently in delight like I thought I would.
The last bit of this book I really, really loved, it was sweet and charming and lifted the book for me in an unexpected but happy way.
Again, like in previous books in this series, BAM feels like a fab place to work, since the bosses are always behind their employees.
Overall, I liked this read, and may possibly re-read.
March 8, 2019
Wow!! Im not sure what to say to do this wonderful read justice!
I have such a book hangover from reading it! It was riveting, entertaining, heartwarming, had some suspense and drama that held my attention to the very end and I could have read so much more!!
I just loved the way Van was, with everyone around him, but when family really matters, needless to say he’s the most amazing caring man! So devoted, so loving....ok commence sighing and swooning! I mean, book boyfriends are just darn swoonworthy!!!! Aren’t they just??!!
I really loved Liv! She was a woman who strived to be the best she could be but when her past catches up to her needless to say the BAM men certainly know how to stand up for their family!
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it! Such a great addition to the series!!
I have such a book hangover from reading it! It was riveting, entertaining, heartwarming, had some suspense and drama that held my attention to the very end and I could have read so much more!!
I just loved the way Van was, with everyone around him, but when family really matters, needless to say he’s the most amazing caring man! So devoted, so loving....ok commence sighing and swooning! I mean, book boyfriends are just darn swoonworthy!!!! Aren’t they just??!!
I really loved Liv! She was a woman who strived to be the best she could be but when her past catches up to her needless to say the BAM men certainly know how to stand up for their family!
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it! Such a great addition to the series!!
March 7, 2019
This series keeps getting better with every book added.
Ths story of Van and Liv is the perfect addition, with the intertwining of our beloved BAM guys and just the right amount of love, drama and swoon worthiness, Van has defiently stamped his mark.
Ths story of Van and Liv is the perfect addition, with the intertwining of our beloved BAM guys and just the right amount of love, drama and swoon worthiness, Van has defiently stamped his mark.
September 29, 2021
My heart. I’ve loved each and every one of the BAM boys but Van was just something else. His big heart & patience was just too much.
Van and Liv were perfect together. The way Van was with Sammy melted my heart. He was perfect! 😍
This story was so real. It was heartwarming and had the right amount of drama. I was on happiness overload that I had tears at the end because of how sweet it all was. Omg! Hands down my fave of the vested interest series. I love how in the end it all comes down to family and having each others back. Such a great read!
Audiobook review:
I have read every book in this series and l devoured the first 5 audiobooks. Each one has been narrated by John and Maxine. I love how with each book they bring a fresh new experience with their performance. Van and Livy’s character were brought to life with the smooth vocals of John Lane and sweet melodic sound of Maxine Mitchell. They fit the characters well and even bringing little Sammy to life. The way this pair can transform their voices to suit the needs of the characters in the story boggles my mind. It’s amazing—they’re amazing. Van and Livy’s book is a must read and I can’t rave about this pair enough! I love the Bam family!!
Van and Liv were perfect together. The way Van was with Sammy melted my heart. He was perfect! 😍
This story was so real. It was heartwarming and had the right amount of drama. I was on happiness overload that I had tears at the end because of how sweet it all was. Omg! Hands down my fave of the vested interest series. I love how in the end it all comes down to family and having each others back. Such a great read!
Audiobook review:
I have read every book in this series and l devoured the first 5 audiobooks. Each one has been narrated by John and Maxine. I love how with each book they bring a fresh new experience with their performance. Van and Livy’s character were brought to life with the smooth vocals of John Lane and sweet melodic sound of Maxine Mitchell. They fit the characters well and even bringing little Sammy to life. The way this pair can transform their voices to suit the needs of the characters in the story boggles my mind. It’s amazing—they’re amazing. Van and Livy’s book is a must read and I can’t rave about this pair enough! I love the Bam family!!
March 9, 2019
I’m not sure if this series is getting better and better, or if, in between books, I’m forgetting how awesome each book is. From the very first page, Van had me hooked, Van the book, and, Van the person. Vincent ‘Van’ Morrison is every girl’s dream (well he’s definitely mine). Kind, considerate, a little alpha, and a whole lot of protective. All wrapped up in 6’ 3” of pure temptation. Not only is he in construction, he also writes music, and he’s in a band. Van has had a secret crush on his coworker, single mother, Olivia Rourke, who, don’t you know it, also has a crush on Van. The fact that they’ve both been burned badly in the past impacts their future decisions and has them questioning whether they will ever be able to trust anyone enough to have a relationship again. Brilliant writing, a fantastic story (dual POV), featuring all the wonderful characters from previous books in the series, along with some lovely new additions. Sammie melted my heart throughout. A story full of romance, suspense and maybe a little angst. A full five star read that I was able to read and review early, thanks to the author for the advance copy.
March 7, 2019
Melanie Moreland continues the BAM goodness with Van. A smoking hot carpenter/master builder with a tragic past and a heart of gold. And Olivia Rourke the designer he works with. A single mom with a history of picking the wrong men. Can they move past the things that have continued to haunt them? That make them wary of a loving relationship? Can they stick together when that past rears its head once more? The BAM family rallies once again around two of their own and makes sure that a happy ending is a done deal.
March 8, 2019
Oh man.... Van is the best!!
This story is a five star read for me... not because it’s action packed or full of drama, but because it is a real story of love and family... a story of hope and happiness, not just for the two main characters but for the family that they create together.
There aren’t any long winded misunderstandings, no angst... just true situations and real solutions.
Van has an interesting history.... he is now happy with his quiet life. That is until he starts really noticing Liv, his co-worker at BAM....then he meets her daughter, the cutey that is Sammy and that’s it, he is totally smitten.
Liv has had difficult relationships with the men in her life... she is quite rightly wary of getting involved with anyone and her main focus is keeping Sammy safe and remaining fiercely independent.
I loved both characters. Liv is strong and hardworking but also fun and doing a great job. Van is big in personality and stature but also a gentle giant and an absolute sucker for Sammy. Their interactions together were just the best.
I loved how all the BAM characters made an appearance in this story and how they all pulled together when Van and Liv needed them the most.
The epilogue was perfect.
This is just a lovely, well written and well observed story of life and human interactions that I thoroughly enjoyed😊
I received an arc from the author and I am choosing to leave a review.
This story is a five star read for me... not because it’s action packed or full of drama, but because it is a real story of love and family... a story of hope and happiness, not just for the two main characters but for the family that they create together.
There aren’t any long winded misunderstandings, no angst... just true situations and real solutions.
Van has an interesting history.... he is now happy with his quiet life. That is until he starts really noticing Liv, his co-worker at BAM....then he meets her daughter, the cutey that is Sammy and that’s it, he is totally smitten.
Liv has had difficult relationships with the men in her life... she is quite rightly wary of getting involved with anyone and her main focus is keeping Sammy safe and remaining fiercely independent.
I loved both characters. Liv is strong and hardworking but also fun and doing a great job. Van is big in personality and stature but also a gentle giant and an absolute sucker for Sammy. Their interactions together were just the best.
I loved how all the BAM characters made an appearance in this story and how they all pulled together when Van and Liv needed them the most.
The epilogue was perfect.
This is just a lovely, well written and well observed story of life and human interactions that I thoroughly enjoyed😊
I received an arc from the author and I am choosing to leave a review.
March 13, 2019
All the stars!!!
Such a sweet story with no unnecessary relationship drama. Just two people falling in love and dealing with real life issues.
Liv is such a strong heroine and Van is totally swoony taking the best care of her and Sammy.
I’m definitely going to have a book hangover especially after that epilogue 😍
Such a sweet story with no unnecessary relationship drama. Just two people falling in love and dealing with real life issues.
Liv is such a strong heroine and Van is totally swoony taking the best care of her and Sammy.
I’m definitely going to have a book hangover especially after that epilogue 😍
March 31, 2019
Melanie has done it again with another amazing book!! Every book in this series keeps getting better and better, and Van is no exception... Van is an amazing man who is loving, sexy, sweet and has the kindest heart. The relationship between Van and Liv gives me all the good vibes I need to make me happy reader. Just like all her books there are twists and turns that will keep you wanting more till the end. I couldn’t put this book down if I tried.
March 8, 2019
My man Van. Vince Morrison. A carpenter, Alpha male, former rockstar, with a tragic past and scars both inside and out. The BAM series continues and this family keeps growing and twining around our hearts.
Olivia Roark (Livvy)is a master designer who together with Van works at BAM. She is a single mother of a little girl (Sammy) who has her own devils from her past to deal with and has grown strong in her solidarity.
Van and Libby are an awesome duo at work and realize that they have both been attracted to each other for a while but been repressing it. No more. Together these two somehow try to figure things out and little Sammy is the star of the show! She steals top billing by getting King Van in a blue boa and tiara for her tea party! I laughed out loud along with Livvy! You find out there is nothing he won't do for his Mouse. Even pink glitter in his hair! Van is so protective over "his girls" it will melt your heart. 💓
But as these two navigate through trust issues and some steamy (and I mean really hot sexy scenes), some evil rears it's ugly head into their bubble ready to rip it apart! Can their new found feelings withstand this attack?
I love this author, Melanie never lets her readers down. Each book is a little better than the last (I don't know how, but somehow it is!). She is always a one click for me, no question. If you haven't read the Vested Interest series, you can read this as a standalone, but it's best to read them all in order as all the characters are in each book and you get updates on all their lives!!! This book is 10 Amazing stars (if I could give them, so, yeah, just 5 here!)
Olivia Roark (Livvy)is a master designer who together with Van works at BAM. She is a single mother of a little girl (Sammy) who has her own devils from her past to deal with and has grown strong in her solidarity.
Van and Libby are an awesome duo at work and realize that they have both been attracted to each other for a while but been repressing it. No more. Together these two somehow try to figure things out and little Sammy is the star of the show! She steals top billing by getting King Van in a blue boa and tiara for her tea party! I laughed out loud along with Livvy! You find out there is nothing he won't do for his Mouse. Even pink glitter in his hair! Van is so protective over "his girls" it will melt your heart. 💓
But as these two navigate through trust issues and some steamy (and I mean really hot sexy scenes), some evil rears it's ugly head into their bubble ready to rip it apart! Can their new found feelings withstand this attack?
I love this author, Melanie never lets her readers down. Each book is a little better than the last (I don't know how, but somehow it is!). She is always a one click for me, no question. If you haven't read the Vested Interest series, you can read this as a standalone, but it's best to read them all in order as all the characters are in each book and you get updates on all their lives!!! This book is 10 Amazing stars (if I could give them, so, yeah, just 5 here!)
March 19, 2019
Title: Van (Vested Interest #5)
Author: Melanie Moreland
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
Moreland has done it again with another fab addition to her Vested Interest series, I’ve loved the previous books and Aiden (#2) was my firm favourite, notice how I’ve wrote was, that’s because Van has just stomped his way into the top position.
There’s not much I can say that will do this book justice, you just need to read it for yourself to experience all the feels, it was a captivating, heartwarming read with some slight drama which Van and the rest of the BAM men soon put a stop to. Olivia may have had made some wrong choices when it came to the men in her life before but she’s hit the jackpot with Van, his caring nature, kindness and patience was sickeningly swoon worthy (in a good way) especially when it came to Sammy, Olivia’s little girl, the way Van interacts with her was just... well it was everything and more.
📚🤓 The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
Author: Melanie Moreland
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARC received in return for an honest review.
Moreland has done it again with another fab addition to her Vested Interest series, I’ve loved the previous books and Aiden (#2) was my firm favourite, notice how I’ve wrote was, that’s because Van has just stomped his way into the top position.
There’s not much I can say that will do this book justice, you just need to read it for yourself to experience all the feels, it was a captivating, heartwarming read with some slight drama which Van and the rest of the BAM men soon put a stop to. Olivia may have had made some wrong choices when it came to the men in her life before but she’s hit the jackpot with Van, his caring nature, kindness and patience was sickeningly swoon worthy (in a good way) especially when it came to Sammy, Olivia’s little girl, the way Van interacts with her was just... well it was everything and more.
📚🤓 The Book Whisperer 🤓📚
Check it out here☟
https://m.facebook.com/The-Book-Whisp...
April 10, 2019
This book. Oh my God, this book.
Van works for BAM as head of their construction team. He’s a hot construction worker and an even hotter musician. Van had a different life in the past. He had fame and fortune, and he thought he had love. Van thought that was what he wanted from his life, but what he wants from life has changed. Van is happy with the life he has now. He has a job he loves, his music, good friends, and a beautiful home. Van isn’t looking for anything else. His past has closed him off from love. But he didn’t count on Sammy.
Liv also works for BAM. She’s their interior designer and works closely with Van. Liv is also a single mother to precious little girl. Liv is happy with her life. She is dedicated to the happiness and well-being of her family, especially her daughter Sammy. Sammy is the reason that Liv has become the person she is today. Liv was in an abusive relationship when she became pregnant with Sammy. Realizing she never wanted her daughter to be exposed to that type of relationship, she found the strength to leave and build a better life for herself and her daughter. Liv’s history with men has left her scared to try again. She doesn’t want her daughter to become close to someone who will only break her heart. But Sammy has other plans.
Van had had his eye on Liv since she came to work for BAM, but he has plenty of excuses for why he doesn’t pursue his feeling further. Until one day, Van runs into Liv at the office with Sammy. Over drawings for the world’s best princess bookcase Van loses his heart to Sammy, or Mouse as she comes to be called. The scenes between Van and Mouse would melt the hardest of heart. I mean when a tough carpenter builds a bookshelf covered in glitter for his little Mouse, how can you not fall in love?
Van and Liv both make mistakes and wrong choices as they try to find their path. Just as everything seems to be working for them, the villain of the story arrives. He’s a bastard. Completely. Like the kind that makes you want to climb into the book, find a car, and run him over…several times. But the boys of BAM aren’t going to let anyone mess with their family. Each of the amazing BAM boys uses their unique skills to help Van, Liv, and Mouse find their Happily Ever After. And what a HEA it is. Nobody, and I mean nobody, does extended epilogues like Ms. Moreland. She has created these remarkable characters and let you be part of their journey, and then, as if that isn’t enough, she pulls the curtain back to give you a spectacular peak at the rest of the lives. There are no words that will adequately express the feelings this book and it’s epilogues evoke. You won’t regret reading this book, only waiting to read it.
So let me just say that the following is a little bit of spoiler so stop reading if you don’t like any spoilers.
I have mentioned in previous reviews of Ms. Moreland’s books how she writes such realistic situations and characters that I often find myself relating events in the book to events in my own life. And of course, she has once again achieved that with Van. I worked for Child Protective Services for 12 years. I can’t tell you the number of kids who I worked with in the system. I have memories of having to tell children that they would never be returning home to their parents, knowing that because of their age or behavioral issues they would spend their life in the foster care system. Unfortunately, most children over the age of five are considered difficult to place and children with behavioral issues are also difficult to place. Meaning people want babies. I’m not faulting them for that, it’s just a fact. They want all the experiences that come with raising a child from an infant. But that leaves millions of children in a system that was never meant to raise children. All of this is to say that adoption is an issue that Ms. Moreland addresses in this book. And not a typical we adopted a baby and everything was perfect from day one story. She wrote about an older child and the difficulties that come with the choice to make an older child a part of your family. The way Ms. Moreland wrote this brought me to tears. Sad tears, good tears, joyful tears. So many tears. It made me think about all the children whose files came across my desk and who left little scars on my heart. It made me hope that for every child that is lost in a system there is a social worker fighting for their future and a family just waiting to embrace them. It’s a beautiful story, and I’m so thankful I got to read it.
Van works for BAM as head of their construction team. He’s a hot construction worker and an even hotter musician. Van had a different life in the past. He had fame and fortune, and he thought he had love. Van thought that was what he wanted from his life, but what he wants from life has changed. Van is happy with the life he has now. He has a job he loves, his music, good friends, and a beautiful home. Van isn’t looking for anything else. His past has closed him off from love. But he didn’t count on Sammy.
Liv also works for BAM. She’s their interior designer and works closely with Van. Liv is also a single mother to precious little girl. Liv is happy with her life. She is dedicated to the happiness and well-being of her family, especially her daughter Sammy. Sammy is the reason that Liv has become the person she is today. Liv was in an abusive relationship when she became pregnant with Sammy. Realizing she never wanted her daughter to be exposed to that type of relationship, she found the strength to leave and build a better life for herself and her daughter. Liv’s history with men has left her scared to try again. She doesn’t want her daughter to become close to someone who will only break her heart. But Sammy has other plans.
Van had had his eye on Liv since she came to work for BAM, but he has plenty of excuses for why he doesn’t pursue his feeling further. Until one day, Van runs into Liv at the office with Sammy. Over drawings for the world’s best princess bookcase Van loses his heart to Sammy, or Mouse as she comes to be called. The scenes between Van and Mouse would melt the hardest of heart. I mean when a tough carpenter builds a bookshelf covered in glitter for his little Mouse, how can you not fall in love?
Van and Liv both make mistakes and wrong choices as they try to find their path. Just as everything seems to be working for them, the villain of the story arrives. He’s a bastard. Completely. Like the kind that makes you want to climb into the book, find a car, and run him over…several times. But the boys of BAM aren’t going to let anyone mess with their family. Each of the amazing BAM boys uses their unique skills to help Van, Liv, and Mouse find their Happily Ever After. And what a HEA it is. Nobody, and I mean nobody, does extended epilogues like Ms. Moreland. She has created these remarkable characters and let you be part of their journey, and then, as if that isn’t enough, she pulls the curtain back to give you a spectacular peak at the rest of the lives. There are no words that will adequately express the feelings this book and it’s epilogues evoke. You won’t regret reading this book, only waiting to read it.
So let me just say that the following is a little bit of spoiler so stop reading if you don’t like any spoilers.
I have mentioned in previous reviews of Ms. Moreland’s books how she writes such realistic situations and characters that I often find myself relating events in the book to events in my own life. And of course, she has once again achieved that with Van. I worked for Child Protective Services for 12 years. I can’t tell you the number of kids who I worked with in the system. I have memories of having to tell children that they would never be returning home to their parents, knowing that because of their age or behavioral issues they would spend their life in the foster care system. Unfortunately, most children over the age of five are considered difficult to place and children with behavioral issues are also difficult to place. Meaning people want babies. I’m not faulting them for that, it’s just a fact. They want all the experiences that come with raising a child from an infant. But that leaves millions of children in a system that was never meant to raise children. All of this is to say that adoption is an issue that Ms. Moreland addresses in this book. And not a typical we adopted a baby and everything was perfect from day one story. She wrote about an older child and the difficulties that come with the choice to make an older child a part of your family. The way Ms. Moreland wrote this brought me to tears. Sad tears, good tears, joyful tears. So many tears. It made me think about all the children whose files came across my desk and who left little scars on my heart. It made me hope that for every child that is lost in a system there is a social worker fighting for their future and a family just waiting to embrace them. It’s a beautiful story, and I’m so thankful I got to read it.
March 16, 2019
Just when you think you have Van all figured out, he throws a monkey wrench in your way of thinking. Moreland has crafted a puzzle that seems totally put together, but looks can be deceiving. Hidden in the fine print, the clues are almost blinding. Olivia and Van are only a piece of the big picture. It's the intricacies that tell the true story. Determined to hope, afraid to risk and refusing to love, these two overachievers are about to learn that what the heart wants, the heart gets. Emotion is the star of the show.
March 10, 2019
Wow! This is the first book I have read of this series, and I can definitely say I have a "Vested Interest" in the series, and can't wait to read the other books. I loved Van! He is strong, but so loving towards Livvy and Mouse. They melted my heart, and I fell in love with all of them. Livvy has gone through a lot, but it only made her that much stronger. Van was amazed by her inner strength, and so was I. This is just the second book I have read by Melanie Moreland, but I have come to love her writing style. She makes you deeply invested in each character and knows just how to tug on our heartstrings.
March 7, 2019
It's no secret that I love Melanie Moreland's writing and I adore this series! Every single time I sit down to write a review for one of these books, I find it hard to adequately describe how much these characters weave themselves into my life and into my heart -- I don't ever want this series to end so I'm hoping she continues to write about all the new characters she introduces us to in each book -- Hal??? Hint, hint?! Van, Livvy and Mouse stole my heart and took my breath away several times, while also making me laugh, cry and swoon. And Melanie has a way of writing epilogues -- OMG, I was a puddle of tears! But then I think I've said that about all her epilogues! Another emotional, heartfelt, incredible read -- I highly suggest and recommend this series - 10+ stars!
March 5, 2019
Van a Vested Interest Book by Melanie Moreland is just what I needed.
I love that Moreland gives us characters and storylines that renew our faith in humanity.
While she tackles real life issues, she still leaves us with the hope of a brighter future.
Van and Liv are one couple you’ll find yourself rooting for throughout the whole book.
They’re the best new you want to see succeed. The ones you want to get to know.
5 Stars
I love that Moreland gives us characters and storylines that renew our faith in humanity.
While she tackles real life issues, she still leaves us with the hope of a brighter future.
Van and Liv are one couple you’ll find yourself rooting for throughout the whole book.
They’re the best new you want to see succeed. The ones you want to get to know.
5 Stars
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