Cheater's Regret is the second book in the Curious Liasons series by Rachel Van Dyken. Fans of the first book in the series will recognize Austin and Thatch, but if you haven't read the first book this one can easily be read as a standalone. I am a huge fan of RVD's, but I am always a bit skeptical when it comes to cheaters. If anyone could pull it off though, I knew it was RVD and I ended up really liking this one.

Austin Rogers thought that she had found the one that she could spend her life with, but then he cheated on her and dumped her as though she was the one in the wrong. Her new mission becomes revenge on Thatch Holloway for how he broke her heart. But when she needs help with a school project for her MBA, she knows that she needs help from Thatch as he is a plastic surgeon and will draw the interest she needs. As much as Austin is hurting, she also can't help but still want Thatch even though she knows that he will just break her heart again. Thatch had his reasons for doing what he did, knowing that it was hurt Austin and push her away from him forever. As much as he wishes things were different, he knows that he made the right choice when he still has a secret that would destroy not only Austin, but any chance they might have at a future together.

I really liked these two, even though I was worried about whether or not I would like Thatch at first. Once we got to know him more though, it was clear that there was so much more to the story. Thatch and Austin were really good together, and I really felt their connection and chemistry. My heart broke for Austin and how hurt she was by everything, especially since she had no clue what was really going on. I just wanted everything to come out and for her to finally get some answers, but I knew that Thatch was really trying to protect her in his own way. I was just hoping that everything would work out in the end and that whatever was going on wouldn't destroy their chance at something together in the future.

Overall, this was one I couldn't put down and I read it in pretty much one sitting. I felt really connected to these characters and Rachel Van Dyken has a way of telling a story that is unlike anyone else. She always has me laughing out loud and is great at delivering all the feels as well. I know that some might be scared off my the title and the fact that there was cheating involved, but turst me when I say that this is so much more than that and worth taking the chance on.

Cheaters Regret by Rachel Van Dyken

This is book two in Van Dyken's Curious Liaisons series and is about a couple we met previously: Austin and Thatch. Austin catches Thatch with his tongue down another woman's throat and then *he* has the nerve to break up with *her*. I don't think so. Once her pity party is over, she comes up with a plan that had me in fits of laughter as she administered her sweet revenge. As Thatch is a highly successful plastic surgeon - and thanks to his charming good looks, is the face of the hospital - Austin shadows him for her final assignment and hopes to get answers from him... and that's where it all begins. Again ;).

I'll be brutally honest here; I really wanted to give Austin a roundhouse kick just to wake her up! She wish she hadn't just accepted whatever it was that Thatch kept dishing out. She deserved so much better than what he was putting her through. While I loved Thatch and thought his intentions were somewhat noble (though his execution was sadly lacking) I wish he'd also just come clean dammit and 'get the girl'.

Overall, this book had me in tears: first it was from laughing, and then it was from heartache for these two. I enjoyed both books in this series although they can be read as standalones. As I said in my review for Cheater, just go in and read the book for what it is and don't look too much into it.

*arc received from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

Thatch!
Oh, Thatch!
You're my hero!!
I'm so in love with Thatch I want to steal him for myself!

Now onto the important stuff!

This is probably my favorite RVD book after the Eagle Elite series. And I don't say this lightly. I've loved Lucas Thorn, and Bentley and so many more of her characters. But there is something so epic about Thatcher Holloway.

"The kiss of death." He shuddered. "Kind of has a whole new meaning now, yeah?" <--- I snorted laughing at this scene. It was so d@mn funny! And it's so much a part of Thatch. He's so great. He can laugh in the face of adversity. He loves with his whole heart and he sacrifices for those he loves.

Avery is me, you, my friends and almost every female I've known. We work so hard to take care of others and to accomplish our goals, we end up here:

'My chest was sore. Like an idiot, I rubbed it, but nothing made the heartache dissipate. Add school stress to the mis and I was an exhausted hot mess, barely able to function without sobbing my eyes out and drinking lots of coffee so I wouldn't fail at life... or my classes' <---- I live on coffee so I don't fail at life. Though I add chocolate to mix. Because I run of faith, chocolate and coffee. It's the perfect trifecta for me.

The authors words hit home in this book on so many levels. In love there are laughter and tears, there are the moments that we connect and realize this is our person. Thatch, you are my person. Even in the bicycling pants. You are my person!

4 1/2 STARS

What can I say other than Rachel delivered us with another great book.

We've all be in the position where we feel we made the correct decision only to realize later that we were wrong. In this book you will learn how Thatch's decision affected not only himself but others as well.

I will say, there was a point early one that I was sad and my heart strings were being tugged. I would definitely recommend this book.

Not all cheaters are created equal.

We met Austin and Thatch in Avery and Lucas’ story-Cheaters (Curious Liaisons) Thatch is a successful plastic surgeon up to his elbows in breasts and Austin is a student working on her MBA. What started out as a sex for fun relationship morphed into something more-right up until Austin found thatch’s lips attached to Avery’s sister.

Why did Thatch cheat? When Austin calls him on it, he shatters what was left of her heart.

And then after all the tears on my end, when I went to his apartment the next day and said I wanted to really try to make things work-he said no. and broke up with me. With Me.

Now of course we readers know that Thatch must have a reason for what he did. He misses Austin but thinks he is doing what is best for her, but why? That’s the mystery that slowly is revealed throughout the story.

I had a sinking feeling I was going to get burned. And this time, I was right. But I wasn’t just burned, I was wrecked, completely destroyed.

So being a resourceful woman, Austin vows to extract revenge on Thatch. He in turn counters with moves every time she plots another embarrassing moment. Here’s where I started to wonder how two people could act so immature. I kept thinking that Austin had no real self-esteem. She was quasi stalking Thatch-he broke up, told you it was over and a month later you are still looking for ways to stay in his life.

Maybe it was because no one had ever broken up with me before? Probably because I’d never had a serious relationship-until Thatch had given me a key.

She comes up with a master plan-one that puts her in his life on a daily basis.
But once the immature phase moved along, the story did flow for me. Secrets long concealed are exposed and there were a few angsty moments. Keeping up with Avery and Lucas is a plus-I really loved their story and they are just as adorable in this one.

I knew in that moment I would do anything for her.
Give up everything.

liked that this story took a chance and featured a cheater. so much mainstream is all the same, nice to have something different for a change

After reading and loving Cheater, I was excited to read Cheaters Regret. This is Thatch and Austin's story. I'd already written Thatch off as a cheating man whore, but it turns out all is not what it seems! There's so much more to Thatch and in this book we see all of him.

Austin had me in fits of laughter between her MoonPie and Mountain Dew obsession, and her brilliantly devious revenge plan, she's such an entertaining character. Austin also has insecurities, I think it's brilliant that the author showed this, we all have things we'd like to change or things we are insecure with.

Cheaters Regret brought so many emotions out in me one minute I was giggling and the next I was sad. There's a huge twist that I certainly didn't see coming. And of course we get to see more of Lucas and Avery from the first book. I loved every minute of it! Five stars!

This is simply the best book ever! It had me laughing and crying in between pages! I loved Austin and thatch honestly one of the best stories I've read so far where the happy ending just simply gives you the feels! Once i started reading it, I just couldn't stop! I loved it!

To be honest, I had such mixed feelings about the first story in this series, that I was a bit apprehensive about reading this one. I've read a lot by this author, so I know the kind of work she is capable of and I was not ready for another disappointing novel.

Thankfully, this one in my opinion, was much better than the first! There was the same back and forth banter between the leads that you have come to expect from Rachel Van Dyken, but without all the immaturity the first one held (even if there were a couple of times where they acted less than their respective ages). I enjoyed watching Thatch and Austin tentatively rebuild the friendship they had started, while seeing the obvious chemistry that was between them. The additional aspect of the "big secret" that was hanging over their heads only added another layer to be enjoyed. Would they be able to overcome the fallout if the truth were to be revealed?

It was fun to catch up with Lucas and Avery from the first story and see where they were in terms of their relationship. I also enjoyed how the author used the friendships between all of the characters to keep Thatch and Austin around each other even when there were times they wished to be anywhere else.

Overall, I am sure this story will appeal to those who enjoy a different take on the romantic comedy.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Cheaters Regret – Rachel VanDyken
Cheater’s Regret is book two in the ‘Curious Liaisons’ Series. It is a stand-alone. As I said in my review for ‘Cheater’ the title had me….hesitating. Cheater. Do I want to read about a cheater…. The answer was yes!!! It was fun and not at all what I was expecting!
Cheater’s Regret was fun and flirty. In ‘Cheaters’ we are introduced to Thatch Holloway and Austin Rogers. Thatch is a hot, successful plastic surgeon. And he has a secret. Austin is the smart and funny daughter of a politician. Together, they are best friends with Avery & Lucas. Thatch and Austin hit it off immediately and have a hot, steamy, fun relationship. Until they don’t….
Everything was perfect.
And then it just. Wasn’t.
Thatch is caught “cheating” on Austin and she is devastated. Austin needs closure to move on. Thatch is still tight lipped about why he broke her heart. Austin and Avery set out to do what every red blooded women would do….seek revenge! Avery gets a list of all of Thatch’s fears and in a hilarious scene makes one of the many come to life.
The story continues with lots of ups and downs. Austin gives up her plan of revenge in exchange for Thatch’s help on her MBA project. She is hoping to finally gain her closure. What follows is a funny, clever and sometimes confusing road.
I enjoyed the story. Austin is smart, funny and vulnerable. Thatch is Thatch, at first. But then you get those layers and layers of him. His kindness and his loyalty is under all of that “stuff”.
It was good catching up with Lucas and Avery as they have quite a bit of involvement in the beginning of the story.
In the end, Thatch & Austin have more in common than expected. The story is funny, especially at the end.
“This isn’t real life!”
“Actually, it is.”
“Life is messy. It’s chaotic. And I hardly doubt you want perfect. I mean, have you ever seen a picket fence? You have to paint that shit!”

Austin Rogers thought things in her personal life couldn't be more perfect, then in one fell swoop she lost it all, she never expected to find her boyfriend locking lips with another woman, but she did, and now she is certain the only thing that will ease the pain is to get even!! She knows getting revenge isn't the most mature avenue to take, but it is the level she has stooped to, and in the end she will have the closure she needs to move on and let him go. So her plot to exact revenge ensues, unfortunately for her Thatch decides to retaliate with a little revenge of his own... and now letting him go just got a whole lot harder!!

Thatch Holloway has it all, well almost it all, he has the good looks, good job, but he is missing the love of a good woman... and he has no one to blame but himself. He had her, then things in their relationship got a little too close to permanent, and he got this bright idea to cheat, in hopes of that it would help her decide it was time to move on. He knew the moment it happened it was the wrong approach to his situation, but he just didn't have the heart to break it off with her, and thought this way would be better... but he couldn't have been more wrong! Now not only is he dealing with a broken heart of his own, but he is also dealing with her trying to exact revenge on him... and it is working perfectly! He attempts to retaliate but it doesn't quite go as planned, because instead of saying goodbye once and for all, he wants to fix what he broke... problem is she wants nothing to do with him!!

The moment I cracked the cover on this one, these two pulled me into their world and had me hooked, and left me anxious to see if they would find their way back to one another. Their antics had me laughing, smiling, and swooning the whole way through... they were quite the pair! Overall this was a very entertaining read, it had the makings of a perfect romance story, and it was unlike anything I have read yet!! The characters were well crafted, had great chemistry, and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent with them!! Highly recommend this one, it is sure to check off all your romance reading must haves, and leave you with a happy heart!!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

I was kindly provided with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have given it 5 stars.

Wow, wow, wow!!! I didn't think anything could top Lucas and Avery's story but boy was I wrong!! Cheater's Regret absolutely blew me away.

This is the second book in the series and picks up at the end of the Cheater. you don't need to have read the first book but I highly recommend it, you will not regret it. This story is told from a dual POV, Thatch and Austin. Two characters you don't want to miss. They are clever and witty and will often have you laughing out loud and their chemistry, hot damn!!! They are are sure to set your kindle on fire.
The consistent writing style made for a smooth story that just seemed to fly by so fluidly and effortlessly that it made for compulsive reading. The story gripped me from beginning to end, I couldn't put it down.

With characters you won't be to help but fall in love with and bad guys you will love to hate, why wouldn't you want to 1-click?

Reviewed on behalf of Amo and Sarah’s Book Corner

5 Stars!

Another amazing book by Rachel.

We met Austin and Thatch in the first book in the series and I loved them both from the start.

Austin and Thatch started up a whirlwind romance, however things quickly come crashing down when Austin finds out Thatch has cheated on her.

Thatch has his reasons for cheating, he was trying to protect Austin from finding out something which could destroy her.

Austin tries to get revenge on Thatch which leads to some hilarious moments, however she then finds out she may fail her final college class and asks Thatch for help.

The two grow close again and Thatch decides he needs to tell Austin everything before she finds out herself.

What will happen when everything comes out? Can these two weather the storm?

It's not what you think. No, really it isn't. The main characters are really anti cheaters, totally in love.
You’ve had that relationship end and you just didn’t know what you did wrong? Austin knows how you feel, the love of her life cheated on her (or so she thinks) and kicked her to the curb as if she was in the wrong. A girl has to have revenge in that situation, don’t you think? That revenge doesn’t feel quite as good as she thought t would though, not nearly as good as kissing Thatch and being in his arms.
Thatch hates himself for treating Austin the way he did, but things could have been so much worse if he didn’t cheat on her and end it. He did it to protect her, but was it really the right thing? He’d do it again, even if he does feel horrible about it but can’t tell anyone why he ended things. He has a very good reason for breaking her heart ladies.
Hiccups and trials abound along the way to their happily ever after, quite a few, really. Pranks played as revenge, some of them actually quite funny and had me laughing so hard I cried and had to put the book down. Rachel’s writing is so vibrant that she brings her characters to life. A particular favorite part is that both Austin and Thatch love each other so totally that neither can completely hate the other or really move on so it is inevitable that they should end up together.
Van Dyken doesn’t disappoint in this latest standalone story. This was much anticipated after Cheater and is so well written that the characters and their world just jump off the page and pull you in.

So damn good...and you all know I hate cheating in books. These books are different, and if you give them a chance, I think you'll agree. Thatch is wonderful. He deserves to be slapped, but he also deserves to be loved.