A not so love triangle in a not so second chance sport romance.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Rachel van Dyken proves her writers genius with every new book he publishes. She is a really productive author and I love her style and stories. I think it’s amazing how after so many books she can still surprise me.

I flew into this story with such enthusiasm but still I started to doubt that I’m going to like it based on the first couple of chapters. Why? Well, because for one I’m not a fan of either love triangles and either second chance romances and in the beginning it really seemed like the plot is heading into the direction of the horrible combination of these. Also just after reading the firs chapters my mind started to create a certain predetermined route for the storyline to go based on my experience with similar books. But my bad because this story is freaking amazing, full of surprises and littered with some brilliant solutions which make it unpredictable. I LOVED IT. It’s funny, emotional and engaging. What else would you need?

The characters are also so marvelous, especially the boys. I liked Emerson too but I had a couple of problems with her as well. First of all she stresses how much she loves her body the way it is yet every turn she presents such self conscious tendencies and she obsesses over what other thinks about her. This clashed for me. Also in the beginning I was pissed about how she handled herself with Miller and Sanchez. But other than that she is a funny and kind character with tremendous strength.
I loved both of the guys so I couldn’t choose if my life depended on it. But what I especially liked about them is the amazing friendship they created, the teasing and the deep understanding that was present between them. They are both similar in ways; both of them are protective, attentive, talented and funny. But Miller is a bit more reserved and Sanchez despite his mischievous front has a lonely and broken side to him too. In the beginning I was rooting for the other guy and not the one Emerson ended with but as the story progressed I started to change sides and in the end I was greatly satisfied with Emerson choice.

So yes, I loved every moment of this book. It’s ups and down, twists and turns. Even when you would expect that things smoothed out and are on the right track something surprising happens that shakes up the events. It was an exciting experience.
I think it’s phenomenal how the author created a greatly enjoyable and exciting love story without overdramatizing everything.

I highly recommend this splendid story to everybody and anybody. It’s a quick, entertaining and emotional read what you wouldn’t want put down. I can’t wait for the next story!!

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I have to start by saying I don't typically like love triangles., in most books they are ugly, messy and someone always gets hurt. However in Fraternize it didn't go that way! I absolutely loved this book, the lighthearted banter, the sexual tension and relatable characters.
Emerson was strong, beautiful and self conscious about her body. She couldn't see what others saw in her but she was determined to make her dreams come true. I loved that because honestly most of us have a hard time seeing ourselves clearly when we look in the mirror, I so understood where Emerson was coming from.
Then we have Miller and Sanchez two of the hottest and well paid men in the NFL. Miller has a history with Emerson and Sanchez wants her. She could've been my best friend and I still wouldn't have been able advise her on which guy was best for her! I truly adored both of them!
Rachel Van Dyken is a masterful storyteller, she pulls you in and refuses to let go! You have no choice but to keep reading until the last page is finished! If you love light hearted banter, an eclectic array of characters. and a love triangle with just a touch of angst then this book is for you!! I highly recommend this book!

When you see this book and the way it looks...you think threesome weirdness, but what you actually get is a really good story told 3 different ways at one point. I, personally loved Grant Sanchez and am sooo glad he was in this book. I also loved Miller - you can't help but love him. He loves Emerson...she's his best friend, her first everything and he's the breaker of hearts. I can't wait until the next book. It was already put on Preorder on Amazon and EVERYONE lost their crap over it - why? Because it's Miller's story!! I'm not telling you any spoilers, I'm just saying that you shouldn't get peeved at the author for things like marketing...it's out of her control people!! It actually helped me while reading the book since I already knew who Emerson got with. I'm not one of those bloggers/reviewers that want to be shocked into a corner rocking back and forth after finishing a book because it didn't go the way I wanted. I totally get that some people like that - I'm not your girl! I had that in this authors last book and I couldn't read for almost 2 weeks because nothing was just good enough. If you want a book that tells a story, goes from past to present, and then has you laughing out loud in places - this is your book😗

I loved Emerson, she didn't apologize for wanting to eat more than a carrot or for having thighs that touched (OMG No!) She didn't have a thigh gap and it was refreshing to read about an everyday women's heroine and not stick figure Francine or whatever...all I know is when authors describe characters in books and they make them sound like they need a sandwich stat - something is really wrong😂 Emerson wasn't that chick. She was healthy, but she was a size 10 or more which is the standard. Reading about a heroine that has body issues and the guys that love them make me feel better about society - if only while I'm reading the book! This is an awesome book for anytime...at the beach? Pick it up. At the doctors office? Read it. If you're like me and you don't have a lot of time - you do cardio on the treadmill and read it. No lie, that is how I read this book. Working out on the treadmill at 8:45pm every night after work. Rachel Van Dyken to me keeps getting better in her writing and maybe I'm wrong or in the minority you're thinking, but I'd like to think you're all wrong and I'm right😉

I was given an ARC from the publisher/NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.

I was unable to finish this book and thus will not be posting a full review on my blog. The writing was not good and the story was juvenile from the onset. Thanks for the opportunity.

Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken a fab five star read. This is the first book in the Players Games series and he first book by this author. I decided to take a chance on it as I enjoy a good sports romance and am not opposed to a love triangle, I know some people do but I just think it adds to the drama and gives you some one to root for. (But that’s just my personal opinion)
I have to say that Emerson Rodner has a goal in life, and she isn’t your typical heroine, she is her own woman and a force to be reckoned with. The problems start when she can’t decide her own mind. There are two men in this story and either wold be someone you would want, but I know I have my favourite, when you read the story I am sure you will find yours.
If you are looking for a good sports romance, with a good story and a steady burn then this is the story for you. There is enough drama to keep you hooked but not that much that you feel you are reading the equivalent of a Jerry Springer show. (Jeremy Kyle if its in the UK)

Growing up, Emerson and Miller were inseparable best friends. As they got older, Miller joined the football team and Emerson became a cheerleader. Feelings developed between the two of them, and Emerson ended up losing her virginity to Miller just before he moved away, never to be seen (or heard from) again. Years later, the two are surprisingly reunited as Miller is drafted by the Bellevue Bucks in the same season that Emerson joins their cheerleading squad. Can they repair their relationship, or will a new player win Emerson’s heart?

Rachel Van Dyken is one of those authors that I’d always meant to read but had never quite gotten around to. I requested a copy of Fraternize from Netgalley weeks ago and had pretty much given up hope of being approved when I unexpectedly got the approval email. Seeing how the book comes out in about two weeks, I immediately jumped in and started reading.

I can see why Van Dyken is such a popular author. She’s definitely got a way with words. Her characters felt real. Her dialogue felt natural. I empathized so much with Emerson and her struggles as a plus-size cheerleader, not physically because she can certainly keep up, but just being accepted by the rest of her squad. I got so invested in this story that I’m not actually sure whether I’m satisfied with the ending. That’s the only reason I rated this book four stars rather than five.

The thing is, I really dislike love triangles. And if you’re going to do a love triangle with the main character’s childhood best friend and some random newcomer, I expect a certain kind of ending. Don’t get me wrong -- I loved Grant -- but we were inside Miller’s head. We knew all of his emotions. We knew how much he loved Emerson, and we only got a couple chapters from Grant’s perspective. In my mind, Grant never stood a chance.

But even with that issue, the book was so well-written that I really can’t criticize anything else. I only just finished this book and I’m already eagerly anticipating Infraction, which features Emerson’s new friend, Kinsey. I hope Kinsey’s older brother, Jax, also gets a book. (Heart eyes emojis all around for Jax.) I would read the heck out of that.

Final rating: ★★★★☆

I received a free ARC of Fraternize from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for my honest review.

I loved this book! Every once in a while you come across a romance that is not your typical cliche story! RVD is the epitome of an author that can seriously write! This book gives me a restored faith in contemporary authors! Well done!!!!

I do not like love triangles... At all.
I do not really read sports romances, I have read a few but only where the focus is on relationships not sport.
I do love RVD. I have read most of her books so I thought I'd give this one a try.
I do love second chance romance.
Miller and Emerson had a relationship when they were younger. They have lost touch both hurting from the 'split'. They reconnect years later through work, enter Grant Sanchez , a fellow player.
This book is very funny, the heroine is snarky and feisty, there is banter, heartbreak with an emotional punch.
It's a excellent story, has a serious side, both Emerson and Miller have some serious personal issues plus the while breakup, he blames her, she blames him.
A good start to the new series.

I had the privilege of reading Fraternize early... way early, and I have to tell you - Rachel Van Dyken really brought her A game with this one. This book is like scoring the game winning touchdown - when the playoffs are at stake.

Her characters are flawless.
The story brings ALL the feels.
It's FOOTBALL!
It's wicked, sexy, fun and so much more.


If Rachel ever wrote a character that I could identify the most with it would be Emerson. She’s taller than everyone and bigger than everyone. This doesn’t mean she’s fat - AT ALL - this means she’s just different. And I identify with this. I love the way Rachel created Emerson and handled the delicate nature of self confidence and stereotypes with Fraternize.

Yes, it’s about Football.
And HOOOOT guys!
It’s about second chances.
It’s about LOVE - both ourselves and others!

“Love doesn’t need a justification for its actions. It’s a free pass.”

Fraternize made me not only swoon all over the pages, but learn to love myself a little bit more! Rachel doesn’t realize the impact her words have on readers… at least this one!

I'm pretty sure every time I read an #RVD book I fall more and more in love with her! Total girl crush! <3

Let me preface this review by saying a couple of things.

1. I love Rachel van Dyken as an author. She typically writes stories that I can't put down.
2. I loathe "love triangles".
3. I'm not a fan of sports, therefore I typically don't read novels that center around them.

When you look at those three things, it becomes clear that while there probably isn't anything wrong with this story, and I have a strong feeling that I will be in the minority here, this story just wasn't for me.

Let's begin with what I perceive to be the "negatives" of this story so we can end on a positive note shall we?

The cover. Emerson, our lovely leading lady is said to be "plus-sized" cheerleader. However, the cover model does not appear to be plus sized. The two men beside her? One is described as having "olive skin", the other as being "half Spanish and half Ethiopian". Neither of these guys look the parts in my opinion. I feel this cover would have been better of being simply a football field. Maybe showing the goalposts? Or the ball?

But the cover isn't the author's fault. I didn't take away any stars for the cover, but I feel it needed mentioning.

Emerson being labeled "plus size" causes some issues for me. As someone who has struggled with weight issues, and body confidence issues my entire life, it is hard to see someone who worries about weighing in at 190 pounds as being considered plus sized. It is consistently said she has "curves". That she has a butt and boobs. And so what? She is also a professional cheerleader. Which means she has muscle. And muscle weighs more than fat.

I enjoyed the banter between the characters and the chemistry between our three leads. I wish Miller and Emerson had cleared the air long before they did instead of letting the guilt and hurt eat at them for the majority of the story, but even that in its own way worked for these characters. The obvious brotherhood between the players was well done as well. You could almost feel the bond between them in the way they teased each other and looked out for each other.

Overall, I do strongly believe that this novel will appeal to a variety of readers. This one just wasn't for me. However, I would give the rest of this series a chance, and I would read more from this author!

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.

There are times in this book that your heart just breaks into so many tiny pieces, then the author comes right back in, and glued them back together. This is an excellent book and should be read by everyone!!

As a side note, my love for this author grows with every single book. She seems to take any real life situation thrown at her and turns it into a masterpiece! She's simply amazing!

Wow! There's no doub about it that I would read everyone of Van Dykens books and this one was so refreshing. It was unlike any of her other books. Going I felt the love between Miller and Em. It was beautiful, heartbreaking and so much fun. I've had that so I felt it down to my bones. After the first meeting withGrant and how he approached her, goodness I wanted her to love him and let him have her!! I was on pins and needles hoping Miller would not get his second chance and I still feel horrible about that. Grant really won me over with how he interacted with her father too. Em was strong and beautiful, I loved her attitude and resilience. I could see myself being her friend. And let's not forget Kinsley!! That girl is a real ball buster and I can't wait for her book. In the end it was wrapped up just perfectly. The acceptance from Miller that they will always be friends. I can't wait to learn more about Jax also. I absolutely adored Fraternize and thank you so much for the opportunity. And again Rachel Van Dyken is an awesome story teller. I could live in her words forever because she makes you feel as though your are standing right along with her characters, in for the ride!!

Emerson is the newest cheerleader for the Bellevue Bucks. Miller is their newest addition as their tight end. The problem, they are each other's first love and have not spoken in 6 years. Grant Sanchez is the star wide receiver for the Bucks and dictates that he and Emerson are going to be best friends.

"If I hear you celebrated with celery, we can't be friends anymore."

Grant relentlessly pursues Emerson while Miller tries to get his head straight. Along the way, you meet Kinsey and Jax who are brother and sister. All of the interactions between all of the characters will leave you wanting to read more.

This was probably one of the best books that I have read by Rachel van Dyken. She made me feel such a variety of emotions that it felt like I was on the worlds longest roller coaster. From the variation that there was a real sized cheerleader to the past that Miller and Emerson must confront, this book kept me on the edge of my seat. Honestly, I was a little surprised by the ending but get like it should have always happened that way.

"You guys are like your own version of the mafia."
"Football mafia." I grinned. "Kind of has a ring to it."

This is a must read for all romance fans and a definite read for all fans of her books. I can't wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the Bellevue Bucks family.

I love second-chance romances. I love Rachel Van Dyken. I HATE love triangles. With a fiery, burning passion, I hate them. That said, I loved this book. Emerson is a great heroine, and who she ends up with is the right choice. I refuse to spoil anything, so all I'll say is that both men are swoon-worthy, and one gets his own book next!

As a side note, the stuff with her father was on-point, and well researched, which I appreciate, because I've experienced it myself!

Rachel Van Dyken has once again had me fall completely in love with her writing.

Hook, line and sinker I'm so hooked that I was up till the wee hours of the morning devouring this book.

I mean Miller is dreamy but then again so is Grant. I was completely ready to be in the middle of all that sexiness. While at the same time I'm ready to grip my hair and hold my head firmly in place because I felt like I was watching a tennis match I think I gave myself whiplash.

All the while holding my breath at how the hell this was going to play out.

But there's always that one, the one that got away the one that holds your heart. Or is it too late and the cocky yet thoughtful shining knight in armour rescues you from pains of the past. I don't know... I was so torn.

What I do know is that at a certain point while reading this book I did that "OMFG!!!!" And I felt my heart tighten up while I took a deep breath.

I thought for certain that this book was . going to go a certain route but RVD changes up the game a little while at the same time pulling on my heartstrings

And as this book continued I found my heart literally pounding. Yup I love that all out heart beating out of you chest feels. The one where you find yourself right in the book as one of the characters and when they feel it you feel it right with them.

A heart pounding romance with all the feels.

This book is a new fav read for me.

I got an ARC of this book for an honest review.
So freaking good, I don't normally read sports books but bring as this is Rachel Van Dyken i knew she would rock it and she totally did, From the very first page i knew i was going to love this book, Even with the ups and downs they go through Rachel has such an awesome way with words, This is a lot hotter than others books she's released but so good.

it was amazing

** Spoiler free review**
I don't know if I can truly do this book justice. Once again Rachel Van Dyken took a very difficult thing and OWNED it. She truly gets it. First being a large woman this book really spoke to me. Plus there was the bullying part as well. As i said at the beginning this is a spoiler free review. But let me just say this just because your beautiful on the out side does not mean your beautiful on the inside.
Everything seems to be geared towards the beautiful people. This book just proves that the not so beautiful can have what they want if they truly want it. Did I cry reading this ? Yes I did. Did I get angry at parts? Hell yes. But the best part? Emerson won everyones heart with even really trying. You know why. Because simply put she's that person. The one you want in your corner. Like me Emerson see'd the person for who and what they are. Not the money they make, how beautiful they look or even the color of their skin.
Then there's Sanchez and Miller. 2 drop dead, sexy as sin football players. Why do I really love these men. Because they see Emerson as beautiful. Not tall and over weight. To them she's a woman who happens to have caught their eye....Side note. I have not been lucky enough to meet Rachel. But she is the most beautiful person on the inside and out. Like I said she gets it

This book is another example why Rachel Van Dyken is one of my favorite authors. I just loved this book. I could not put it down. I was up until 3am reading to finish it. I couldn't go to sleep before I finished. I loved these characters: Sanchez, Emerson and Miller. As first I thought I really wanted her with Miller but Sanchez really started to grow on me. I don't want to give anything away but I really loved how it turned out for all of them in the end. Can't wait to read the next books