Member Reviews
Fraternize wasn't really what I was expecting, but that turned out to be a good thing. I enjoyed it so much more than I would have. This is one of the best love triangles I've read, it was a true love triangle. I also appreciated that it didn't work out like I thought it would, and I'm not even angry about it!
I really liked both Miller and Sanchez. I can see why Emerson had feelings for both of them. Her and Miller had a past and Sanchez was a total flirt. I do think she made the right choice, even if it wasn't my original choice. I loved all the interactions by all parties and can't want to read the next book!
I need more! This book was absolutely amazing, but no surprise there! Rachel Van Dyken can't write anything bad, I'm sure of it! I loved the main character and who she was made to be. This book made me feel better about myself, not every girl is a size 2 and nice to see that authors see it too! I'm recommending this book to everyone I know. Can't wait for more in this series!
Emerson is a heroine the reader can appreciate. She tough, starting a career as a plus-size cheerleader and caring for her ailing father. When life hands her a chance to pursue her dreams, she doesn't let the reappearance of an old-flame derail her. There was a bit of a triangle in this book; but as the story unfolds, it really becomes a tale of living with mistakes and making the best future possible. Told from alternating chapters, the stories of Emerson, Miller and Sanchez blend together in a fast fun tale with the right amount of heat. For fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillips.
OMG I loved it! It made me feel and I wasn't expecting it. I felt so sad and conflicted. You will read it and will want everyone to end up happy but you will have this feeling that someone will end up hurt. I really liked the way this author wrote the story. She makes you want to be part of the group and want to help. Plus you will like the dialogue. This characters have great personalities and their back and forth makes it very entertaining through every page. What can be better than finding someone that will challenge you? What can be better than falling for your best friend? Nothing better than feeling safe and special and right where you belong. That is the journey you will read in these pages.
I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.
You know, there will always be one boy you'll remember forever. Your first love. The one you made promises with. Wore his jacket/ring/whatever it was he gave you to symbolize your relationship. Well Emerson and Miller are no different. They were best friends since the age of seven. He took her virginity ten years later. Just before he moved away.
You'd think they were destined for each other. That's probably what you thought about your own first love. Sometimes that's not how it ends though. There are other temptations. Other factors that are inserted into the story. Enter Grant Sanchez.
He made no bones about wanting to get in Emerson's pants. To him, though, she's different. He can wait - until she's ready. She's worth more than a one night stand never to be seen again. No matter they'd see each other during work because she's one of the professional cheerleaders for his professional football team. Regardless of the no fraternization policy the team has in place.
It's a bit hairy when your first love plays for the same team. Except you hate each other. Or so you thought.
Well, let's just say there's a lot to work out in this story. Rachel Van Dyken has concocted a new fairy tale story - one where the princess has to decide on her feelings for the princes. One where the characters are all friends but want to be more.
I loved how she spun this love story around all the characters involved. The secondary ones were just as important at the primary. It took me a bit to get into the start of the book but once I did I devoured the rest of it. I definitely think you should give this one a try.
Actual rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Emerson and Miller have been best friends since middle school. The friendship turns into first love. Miller's dream is to become a pro football player for the Bucks. Emerson's dream is to be a Bucks cheerleader cheering Miller on. But when Miller moves away his senior year of high school, the two lose touch with each other. They both have resentment, anger and betrayal towards each other for not being there. Six years later, with all the negative feelings toward each other still there, both their dreams come true. With Emerson's first love back in the picture and throw in a sexy man-whore who has a bet to sleep with one of the cheerleaders and now you have a love triangle.
I really enjoyed the writing. I loved the banter between Emerson and Miller and the bromance between Miller and Sanchez. I'm a sucker for first loves and second chances. But I had some issues with the story. It's hard to explain without giving spoilers. I still look forward to reading the 2nd book in the series though.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Skyscape and Two Lions for supplying a copy of Rachel Van Dyken's "Fraternize" in exchange for an honest review.
NOTE: Sleeping is overrated. Your brain will challenge you every time you want to shut your eyes.
Stupid me! Really! I have always been a BIG fan of Rachel Van Dyken.. I mean her 'Eagle Elite' Series? One of my favourite! SO why..tell me why did I not read this book soon enough?! I'll tell you why.. because i'm an idiot and also because of that synopsis!
I don't really like love triangles...ha! the biggest lie ever ... who doesn't love the feeling of angst and frustration right?! hehe! But I really do regret not reading this sooner.
This book is so much more than a measly love triangle... there's depth and the characters are so lovable.
Emerson Rodner is not your typical skinny girl. She has curves. Her lifelong dream was to be an NFL Cheerleader. She has tried out before but never made it. But this year, She got accepted into the cheerleading squad for the Bellevue Bucks.
Miller Quinton, her childhood best friend / high school sweetheart. He's Hot and he knows it. He literally was the one that got away. He promised to never leave her even though he has to move to another state but due to unfortunate circumstances... They lose contact.
Grant Sanchez, one of the captains of the football team is gorgeous and known for being playboy. Grant wasn't just one of the best receivers in the league, He was THE BEST RECEIVER IN THE LEAGUE. He is arrogant, cocky, stubborn and honestly.. a sweetheart. ok. a HOT sweetheart hahaha!
Rachel Van Dyken did it again... don't let the synopsis fool you! really! yes it is a love triangle but it's so much more! I have really loved the characters. This book was funny, angsty ( it that even a word?) and heartwarming.
Happy reading guys!
ps: I Can't wait for the second part in this series!
In “Fraternize” book one in a brand new series by Rachel Van Dyken we are thrown into the life of Emerson, your not so typical professional cheerleader. She has some secrets in her past and when one of them is traded to the football team she cheers for (Miller) – she has to decide if she wants safe or take a chance on the man-whore, swoon worthy Grant Sanchez. As she decides if her past will dictate her future Miller and Sanchez both try to win her over.
She does have some friends who help her out and who just might end up making a future of their own (sorry no spoilers)….
I received a copy of this book through Net Galey and this is my honest opinion.
I love this author's writing! She does a fantastic job of having a sweet romance with well developed characters, a bit of steam and a good amount of humor. I can't wait to read more books in this series!
I am always a fan of Rachel Van Dyken's writing and this book is no different for me. Fun romance with hunky football players. I really enjoyed this book and pretty much devoured it in one sitting.
UHG THIS BOOK! I swear Rachel has this talent of having you TOTALLY on one team and then convincing you otherwise as the character changes their mind. I was all for this book. I love a good sports romance and I love a love triangle even more. Even if this wasn’t what that was. Persay.
This was a story about recognizing when a love is true. And oh goodness is this love true. Since I can’t talk about the story without spoiling it, lets talk about Grant, Miller, and Emerson. I loved them. The friendship, the game, the chase? All of it, it was fantastic.
Also, we need to talk about the friends in this book. I ned more books. I need mafia level amount of books. The whole team AND the whole squad. They all need books.
Also, I know I am jumping about, but I need to talk about the situations in this book. I laughed SO MUCH in this book, and I swear I swooned just as much. Sometimes you need a book to read that truly just takes you away from reality. This felt like jumping and watching a movie. I can’t wait to see where Rachel takes this series.
Omg, what can I say about this book? I loved it so much! The angst, the heart, the love, the friendships, the football. It had everything that makes a great story. RVD definitely wins a touchdown with Fraternize!!
Heat happened when your past collides with your present? A past that you worked so hard to put out of your mind, to move forward with your life. Then all of a sudden it’s pushed right in your face, everyday you see that reminder of what was and what could have been. All the while, your future is screaming in your face telling you to leave it all behind, to leave the past IN the past. I felt so bad for Emerson, all that she struggled with and I also admire her in so many ways to try to move on and put her life back together again.
***She fucking smiled.
I swallowed my hurt.
My pride.
And the breaking in my heart as I nodded toward him and mouthed, “Friends.”
This isn’t really a ‘love triangle’ per say. Yes, her past love comes back and interfere with her current interest but this story is SO MUCH MORE!! Don’t let this little fact put you off on this book. (There is NO cheating). This is about a woman having to choose, to choose her past, or what could be her future. To let go of past heartache and move on, or be pulled back into the past where all the pain still is fresh. It’s a journey for Emerson to heal and to do what is best for her life. And I loved every single minute of this book!
***“You like me because I find your faults?”
“Hell no.” He laughed. “I like you because you make me want to fix them.”
It was angsty, it had cute and very swoon worthy moments, and it had heartbreak, and it had healing, and it have EVERYTHING!! It was perfection. I can not wait for Inception!! I bet you’ll love it too if you give it a try!
***“So even though it hurts, I’m staying. Even though I’m afraid, I’m staying, because you make me brave. And I love you so much that I can’t breathe without you.” I
was too choked up to say anything other than what my heart was screaming for.
Simply amazing, engaging, wonderful and powerful message being delivered as you read
.5 stars! This had so much a love triangle , best friend to lover football /cheerleader and even a nice little bromance I would say. Emerson isn't a size 0 and she's a cheerleader (more bonus points ) However the love triangle isn't really what you would think. Miller and Emerson were best friends and they loved each other until he moved . Now six years later when she is suddenly cheering for the team he has been traded to all they have is hate for each other .
Secrets of the past and your dying to know why! What happened ? She is now being pursued by a teammate
Of Miller's enter the drama. Sanchez has a bad reputation he wants Em he's claimed her. Emerson and Miller , Emerson and Sanchez? Miller and Sanchez ( I'm kidding ).This
Was enjoyable funny and love the outcome !
arc provided by NetGalley for honest review
I couldn't put this book down. I read it in one night. It wasn't like anything I would have expected and I expected a lot of things. I loved the plot and i can't wait for the next book to come out.
I hate, really, really hate love triangles...but this one is a looot of fun.
Go buy the book and you won't regret it.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I love Rachel's (Author) books. I read quite a few now and I know that generally they make a great recipe for a new adult book. When I read the synopsis for Fraternize I knew it was going to be a good book and I was not wrong!
What I really loved about Fraternize compared to most other NA books was it was different! I wasn't expecting the story to be like it was nor was I expecting characters who weren't just good but were relatable. There was humour but also feelings and I felt there was the perfect amount of drama without it becoming consuming.
Emerson is great, why you ask? Well she's not your stereo typical cheerleader. She's a plus size curvaceous beauty who has worked hard and fought to be considered a professional cheerleader. At a time when young minds even those in their early twenties have a conceived notion if you aren't a size zero or don't fit into that size all the models wear you aren't good enough. The plus size culture is taking the world by story right now with the likes of Jordyn Woods and other beauties out there. I really feel Rachel has wrote a great character here and one more girls should look at when it comes to their ideals of perfect. That being said the whole book isn't a fat bashing inferno thankfully and there are some other great characters that deserve a mention. There is also Miller, Grant and Kinsey too. The boys are hot, they have humour and I love the team antics. Kinsey is a breath of fresh air when it comes to stereotypical cheerleaders too.
I don't know what else I can tell you about Fraternize without giving stuff away. With a NA book you always have the precognised idea of what is going to happen and this book was like that. So I really don't want to tell you more. What I will say is if you like a New Adult romance with some fun characters, good stereo line and hot football players? Well, then give this one a shot! 4 stars.
Old friends, old romance, new friends, new romance, my heart can’t take it! Okay, Rachel Van Dyken has freaking done it again with a fantastic football-cheerleader romance that will have your heart on overload. Now, I’m all #TeamI’mNotTellingYou but I’ve chosen my side and I’m firmly planted there, and I will fight you. I’m just saying RVD instills loyalty, even if it isn’t a mafia book.
Okay, Emerson is the cheerleader that doesn’t quite measure up and works harder to get what she wants and my gosh you will love her all the more for it. She’s so strong and such an empathetic character and I want to be her best friend.
Then, you’ve got Miller Quinton who is the first love, first everything versus Grant OMG Sanchez who is the ultimate player. So, who will she choose? Will she choose either and will the loser get the next book? GAH! Serious storyline mixed with fun romance and RVD signature light-hearted banter. Friendships and romance weave their way throughout the pages to make you fall in love with all the characters and leave you breathless, crying and ultimately healed.
5 Fall In Love Again Stars
I don't even like football and I loved the heck outta this book.
Kelly gets a tad bit obsessive with her loving of this author. So I had tried one of her books before and it was kinda meh. This one totally made up for it.
Guys, the heroine is PLUS SIZED! And I loved her.
Emerson wants to be a professional cheerleader more than anything so she has worked hard but refuses to starve herself into a size zero. *swoon hearts everywhere*
She tries out for the Bucks and gets the cheerleader position that she is dying for. She doesn't really expect that "Don't fraternize with the players" rule to be a problem since she has sworn off men since her best friend broke her heart years ago.
Y'all know that best friend is gonna show back up don't you? He does. Miller is the tight end that gets traded to the Bucks..the last place he wants to be because it's his hometown and he has bad memories of it.
Then throw in cocky Grant Sanchez, he is a legendary ladies man and he sees Emerson and decides that she is that cheerleader that he wants to score with.
It sounds corny doesn't it. SHADDUP! It's not. I LOVED it.
I usually hate on the stupid love triangles.
But this one worked real well for me.
I went full on cougar lusting for these two guys.
I had the perfect scenario in my head too!
But this author is not a dirrrty pirate hooker like am so I had to settle for all the angsty stuff of not being able to have both. Dang it.
Booksource: Netgalley in exchange for review
I think this is the first time in a love triangle where I could not decide which guy the heroine (Emerson) should end up with.....I mean, I loved both Grant and Miller! It was hard not to....
Emerson has finally achieved her dream of becoming a pro football cheerleader. I love that she was not the typical size zero and had the confidence she needed to fulfill her dream. But she does not expect her long lost high school romance to end up on the team, nor does she expect the womanizing Grant (whose on the same team) to take an interest in her!
One thing I absolutely loved was the friendship between Grant and Miller.....yep, they were teammates who became like brothers.....and basically it was, "may the best man win" where Emerson was concerned. Loved the way it all played out!
This was very well written and I love that Ms. Van Dyken changed it up a bit from the typical love triangles we normally read about. There's so much more to this book.
I am still torn between the two guys......but SO EXCITED ABOUT THE NEXT BOOK!!!!!
I really like it when you start reading a book and think you know how it is going to end but it doesn't take that route - and you don't care because it seemed realistic and you are happy with the ending! This is that book! Coupled with great secondary characters as well as MCs - I enjoyed this book and will be reading the next one.