Emotionally endearing even when you want to junk punch...I should probably back up.

The Bachelor Contract is the third Wellington brother's story. That sloppy drunk that you pitied and knew had a heartbreaking story...Brant. Yes, it's his story.

Definitely heartbreaking. The past always has a way of sneaking up. It's even worse if Grandma Nadine is within 100 mile radius of you...ever. She is worse than a pack of rabid dingos. Once she smells potential, all hope is lost. Or in actuality gained. I'm so glad Grandma Nadine came back to continue making trouble. She has always been a favorite.

In this case, she decides to make Brant see for the first time in years. He hasn't seen in years and it's ironic because he isn't the blind one. This book covers some hard topics. Tissues are strongly recommended. But as is always the way with a Rachel Van Dyken book, there is also romance, laughter, and snark. Lots of amazing lines that will be highlighted and quoted. Mondays are looking brighter. (snicker) There are amazing friends and life altering bonds. Pretty sure Grandma Nadine would make an awesome Mafia boss. But since she moonlight for the CIA waterboarding and forcing nations to become allies, I can see how it might be a conflict of interest.

P.S. Cole better be getting a book out of this...just saying!

reviewed for Naughty Book Blog

This book was a surprise.
Even before the first chapter ended, I was gutted, my heart hurt for these two souls.
The Bachelors Contract was not what I expected. It wasn’t one of my favourite second chance romance book but It still was heartwarmingly blissful. It would never be a RVD book without it’s dose of sexiness and My God did she provide that.

I didn’t like Brant at the beginning, He was a moody S.O.B who was short tempered, cocky and just rude! But slowly, you fall for him once you realise that his anger is misplaced. He had so much anger especially towards himself for having lost it all.
Nikki is a saint with a dash of mischief. I am absolutely in awe of her. Her strength and determination is aspirational.

Brant and Nikki, their past, it shattered me. Their struggle was heartfelt and haunting.

I have always been a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken, her books are an immediate ‘buy’ for regardless of what genre they may be. But I strive to be honest, This wasn’t my favourite book from her. Was it a good book? Yes it was. It just wasn’t up to par with what I feel a RVD book should be.
Would I suggest the book to someone? Yes I would. It was a beautiful second chance romance with all the sadness, love, angst, anxiety and humour that we love.

Note: This book had a lot of good secondary characters. Brock and Bentley were hilarious! Cole? Bless his soul for his loyalty! Nadine Titus? Some would say she’s Satan but I choose to believe she’s an angel in disguise… a very good disguise…thats very hard to be with in a room for longer than a minute. lol!

I didn't think this would be angsty but with the blurb plus second chance feel to it I should have. Knowing the author's style though it would still be balanced with humor.

Brant was on a downward spiral after losing the accident and loss of his baby He felt a lot anger, guilt and resentment a lot of weird mixed up emotions especially toward his ex. When really he didn't know he made things worse for her but stiĺl the longing is there. It was such a complicated mess of feelings of blame, guilt and sadness.

There was a lot to deal with and the getting his wife back started maybe at 3/4 of the book. The running from mistakes and resentment takes place with earlier. I liked the premise I did but they gave a me a headache sometimes but it the touches of lightness made it better. They did have a lot to get through hurt and memories it was no walk in the park. I sometimes felt more chemistry between Cole the BFF and Nikki banter wise. Brant and Nikki had tons of history that connected them though.

All in all, it's much reminiscent of the other books in the series just a little more serious in some parts. Grandma Nadine is up to her old tricks and the Wellingtons are funny. I liked the wooing parts more. If you're looking for a heartfelt read with doses of laughter this is the one. I hope Cole finds someone!

I loved reading Brant and Nikki’s story. They were so angry and hurt from their past, I could not help but wonder how on earth they could ever move past what had happened to them. Sometimes Brant was just down right mean and I did not always like him. For a bit I was thinking why would Grandma Nadine try and get these two back together, but Grandma knows best.. However once I kept reading it all came together. It was a great read, definitely different from the other two books in this series. I would highly recommend it!

This is the 3rd book in this series featuring the Bachelors of Arizona the Wellington Brothers! This was the story I had been intrigued about and looking forward to after getting some hints in the first two books in the series and Rachel did not disappoint me, in fact I think she went above and beyond my expectations. She made me laugh a lot and she made me cry with the rollarcoaster of emotions that she beautifully portrayed, that seeped off the pages and into your veins.

If you like a second chance romance then this is for you, its one of my favourites. Brant and Nikki have been through so much pain, so young. Their whirlwind romance ended in heartbreaking tragedy and divorce.

Brant is the angry, broken, damaged Wellington brother, who drinks way too much, parties way to much and is a bit of a manwhore, he is desperate to forget, to numb the pain he is in. Nikki is just surviving, she's not living. She lost so much and its only with her job and the support of her best friend Cole that she is functioning.

Of course we get to see the meddling Nadine who you love from afar but would be scared to get close to in case she meddles in your life as she's a force to be reckoned with! She forces Brant and Nikki to be back in each others lives, forcing them to face the pain of their past and acknowledge that they still share a deep love that will never go away.

I really enjoyed the Wellington family reunion when they all arrive at the hotel to support Brant and Nikki. The banter with the brothers and also Cole is brilliant!

I am so hoping that Cole gets his own book. I cannot wait to see what Nadine would come up with for him! i'm almost scared for him!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from the Author and Social Butterfly

3.75 stars- THE BACHELOR CONTRACT is the third instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE BACHELORS OF ARIZONA romance series focusing on the Wellington brothers Brock, Bentley and Brant. This is hotel manager Brant and spa masseuse Nikki Wellington’s story line. THE BACHELOR CONTRACT can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Brant and Nikki) including memories from the past, THE BACHELOR CONTRACT is a second chance romance for new hotel manager Brant, and masseuse Nikki. Four years earlier Brant and Nikki’s life imploded leaving our couple a shell of their former selves. Fast forward to present day wherein Brant is now his ex-wife’s new boss, and he struggles to come to terms with everything he lost including the woman he apparently still loves. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Brant and Nikki, and the potential fall out as memories from the past continue to destroy any happiness our couple once shared.

The Bachelors of Arizona series follows Nadine Titus, as she, along with Charles Wellington, devise and scheme to reunite and otherwise find love for the old man’s three grandsons. As the final hold out Brant struggles with heartbreaking memories from the past-memories he has tried to drown with alcohol and women- memories too painful but hard to forget. When Nadine ‘orders’ Brant to take control of one of her luxury hotels she is well aware that Brant’s past, present and future is working nearby. Nadine knows that Brant is still in love with the woman that calls to his heart but hurtful words said in anger and pain may have all but destroyed any possibility of reuniting two people who have never moved forward in close to four years.

The relationship between Nikki and Brant is one of second chances; a redkindling romance that struggles with betrayal and fear; pain and suffering; grief and loss. The $ex scenes are intimate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Brant’s twin Bentley Wellington (The Playboy Bachelor) and their elder brother Brock whom we met in book one-The Bachelor Auction. Bentley’s grandfather returns, alone with Nadine Titus grandmother as the two continue to play matchmakers for their heartbroken grandchildren. We are also introduced to several hotel employees including Nikki’s best friend and concierge Cole Masters, and spa receptionist Annie. I am hoping Rachel has plans for Cole-this man deserves his happily ever after.

THE BACHELOR CONTRACT is an emotional story with heartbreaking memories and humorous, playful moments. The addition of Cole Masters is like a breath of fresh air in between the tears and pain of one couple’s grief and loss. The premise is entertaining and energetic; the characters are broken and colorful; the romance is fated, passionate and hurting as two people, who love one another, are unable to let go and move on from the past.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Despite my adoration for RVD, this series has not been a favorite of mine. At times, it seemed to lack the emotion and depth I have come to expect from her writing. That is certainly not the case with this installment. Even though my feelings continue to be a mixed bag, I am anything but indifferent to this story. I respect authors who can make me feel; even if it isn’t necessarily all the warm and happy emotions. In The Bachelor Contract, RVD delivers an emotional second chance romance filled with humorous moments.

The previous two books offered only a glimpse into the heartbreaking past of Brant. He is jaded and despite his obvious pain, I felt little empathy for his plight. He has no excuse for the way her treats Nikki and those around him. Throughout the book, I struggled with his character. Nikki experiences as much pain and loss as Brant, and she never becomes the hateful and mean spirited person he did. Yes, Brant experiences growth, but it’s safe to assume I won’t be “Team Brant” anytime in the future.

“I’m not a jackass.”
“Denial won’t help you.”

Even though she’s known for her comedy, RVD delivers intensity so well. The “restaurant scene” is my favorite moment of the book. I could literally feel Nikki’s pain and anguish. I read it twice just to experience it again.

"She was helpless in front of the only man she ever loved-"

This book packs an emotional punch, but there are numerous lighthearted moments to balance out the intense ones. Even though I had issues with Brant, I absolutely adored the supporting cast. Grandma Nadine continues to be a scene-stealer, and is one of RVD’s most beloved characters. Cole is magnificent and his devotion completely melted my heart. Everyone needs a friend like this guy; I desperately hope he is the next installment of the series. This book can be read as a standalone, but RVD is one of the best with crossover characters and storylines. For those who have enjoyed previous works, you will have delightful surprise appearances.

I struggled with a 3.5 to 4 rating. I rounded up because even negative emotions can be a positive experience.

Thank you to the author for my advanced review copy.

5 Stars

Once again what a read and book form Rachel Van Dyken.
I laughed, I cried and then some. The witty writing that is you always gets me so absorbed in the story I don’t want it to end but want to see the outcome, I can’t win. The story just grabs you from start to finish. Thanks again for an amazing read.

This story was so fun! I need to go back and read the other two books in this series ASAP! I have read other RVD books in the past and I have enjoyed every one! The mix of Rachel’s writing and a second chance romance, this was sure to be a winner for me. I was not disappointed!

The prologue started this story off with a bang and I was hooked! The heroine in this story was so unique. I’ve never read a story where one of the main characters is blind. I love the way this story made me feel every emotion. There was heartbreak, love, pain, healing, and the perfect dose of humor as well.

Brett and Nikki’s relationship ended very badly four years ago and now, they are working together side by side every day. They have to face not only each other again but the tragedies from the past as well. Watching them come together and face the past while trying to heal themselves, they help to heal each other. I love how their adventure, takes place in the future but has meaningful glimpses into the past.

If you want an emotional, second chance love story grab this one now! I will definitely be reading the other books in this series too!

Grateful to have received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was completely blown away by Rachel Van Dyken’s The Bachelor Contract. This beautiful and heartbreaking story of a second chance at Love. Brant Wellington has hit rock bottom. After a failed marriage, Brant has been sold off to the highest bidder in an auction, who just happens to be his ex wife; life couldn’t get worse...enter Nadine Titus. Nikki is trying to piece together what is left of her life, four years ago Nikki not only lost the love of her life but after tragedy struck she also lost her sight. Now working in a resort along side her best friend and boss Cole, Nikki is ready to take the step to moving on with her life. Brant has made a deal with the devil or in this case Nadine Titus, he’s agreed to run her resort but when arrives he gets the shock of his life when he comes face to face with his ex Nikki; who he’s still madly in love with. Grandma Nadine is back in action with her crazy matchmaking techniques and at the top of her hit list is Brant and his ex wife Nikki.
The Bachelor Contract will have you laughing out loud with laughter and grabbing at the Kleenex sobbing in tears. This beautiful and heartbreaking story, will leave you breathless. Rachel Van Dyken has created strong and lovable characters that will stay with you for a very long time. A must read!!!!

This is the 3rd book in the Bachelors of Arizona series. You can definitely read this as a stand alone. Though I highly recommend starting at the first one because this is an awesome series.

Brant is given a job opportunity by Grandma Nadine. Little does he know, she is playing matchmaker.

This was a pretty emotional rollercoaster ride from start to finish. From laughing to crying this made me have lots of feels. Brant is such an ass for most of the book it's hard to like him but his story is one full of heartbreak and loss. Rebuilding his broken life and finding his way back to Nikki, his ex wife was totally worth the ride. I loved getting to see the interaction with Cole. He was one of my favorite secondary ccharacters in this series and am really hoping he gets his own book.

Even though this is the 3rd book in the Bachelor series, this is a stand alone. Brant has yet to fulfill his Bachelor Auction obligation. In fact, he is fighting against is grandfather regarding it. All because the winner is his ex-wife, Nikki. No one knows why their marriage broke up, but ever since Brant has been on a fast track to drinking himself into oblivion. Enter Nadine Titus, CEO of Titus Enterprises and all around matchmaker and busybody. She is out to get Brant back on track . She tricks (my words) Brant into working for Titus Enterprises and to check out a hotel that the company wants to purchase. What Brant doesn't realize is that Nikki works there too. Nikki's well meaning friends try to keep them apart but without success. The feelings of attraction, love and sexual tension come to the forefront. Without giving away any spoilers, this is story is about loss, love, and redemption. You will laugh and cry and sometimes you just want to smack Brant.

The Bachelor Contract is a novel in the Bachelors of Arizona series that can be read as a standalone. Brant Wellington has been merely existing, well if you consider daily alcohol binges and a steady stream of women to pass the time existing. Living off his trust fund and spending his days tormented by his past, Brant is living in the hurt and pain from his marriage that ended years before. Nikki, Brant's ex wife, works at Nadine Titus' upscale hotel as a masseuse. Blinded from an accident years prior, she's working hard to make something of her life, even though she has a hefty divorce settlement she could be living off of. When Nadine Titus contracts Brant to inspect her hotel, Brant unexpectedly runs into Nikki, and they must face the issues from their past that tore them apart so many years ago. Brant and Nikki married young, much to the displeasure of their families, and though poor (this was before the trust fund kicked in) lived in blissful ignorance. Nikki became pregnant, and the couple was overjoyed. Unfortunately, Nikki ended up losing the baby in the middle of her second trimester. This put a strain on their relationship. It caused a divide. In their grief, they began to fight and did irreparable damage to their relationship. Then, in an accident, Nikki lost her sight. That was even more strain on the relationship and Brant left. He left when Nikki needed him the most, when he should have been there more than ever. Nikki and Brant have both spent the last 4 years apart miserable and longing for what they once had, living in the memories of what once was. Now, thrown together by Grandma Nadine, Brant and Nikki can't avoid each other and are forced to confront the demons of their past. Is it possible to overcome such damage and loss? Can a relationship that damaged be repaired? This story was incredibly heart wrenching, but also full of hilarious moments and lots of family meddling like in the previous books in the series.

This is the third book in The Bachelors of Arizona series but while I always recommend reading a series in order, this can be read on a stand alone basis.

The Bachelor Contract has been my favourite book of this series so far. I love Second Chance Romance so this was a real hit for me. As we can expect from a RVD book, there was plenty of humour in this book and Grandma Nadine's antics had me chuckling away all the way through. Aside from that though, this book had a real emotional edge to it as well and Brant and Nikki's story really pulled at my heart strings. I really enjoyed this book and would heartily recommend it.

The Bachelor Contract by Rachel Van Dyken

Saddens me that I didn't love this one and I can tell you the reason why: Brandt was such an asshole and not in an 'oh, he's so damn grouchy and alpha and I love him' way. No. From the previous books, we knew he had surliness down to a fine art but in TBC, he was really mean and intentionally hurtful to Nikki and I can't like such a 'hero'. I understood the reasons behind his demeanor and what made him so broken, but I think a lot of it was uncalled for. Then he turned a new leaf which would have been great except it was so rushed that it didn't feel organic. It was like RVD thought that at X point in the book, Brandt will turn into a decent human being and that's what she wrote but it didn't feel genuine at all. I liked Nikki's character but she annoyed me at times with her incessant crying and letting Brandt treat her poorly then going back for more. Honestly, the star of this book is (as always) Grandma Nadine - she's the bees (arthritic) knees.

This book was a miss for me and I can't honestly bring myself to recommend it.

*arc received from publisher via Netgalley in exchange for honest review.

**Reviewed by Melinda for Joandisalovebooks Blog.

The Bachelor Contract by Rachel Van Dyken carries more of a deeper emotional storyline than her typical romantic stories that are interlaced with humor. Instead this book was definitely all about the feels, heartbreak and forgiveness. As humans, we tend to place blame as to why a relationship failed but in this book Rachel Van Dyken allowed readers to be immersed in the journey of Brant and Nikki as they reconnect, learn to forgive and get that second chance at love and healing. Since this book is pretty much a straightforward read of reliving the past and the union of two lovers, I don’t want to say much but what I can tell you that RVD delivers a story that was full of heart. Prepare yourself to get swept away in Brant and Nikki’s love story.

sometimes giving love a second chance is what you need to soothe what ails you. as the bachelor contract opens brant's family is convinced that he needs to settle things with his ex-wife, nikki, and either talk things out and close that chapter of his life or start over. but the drugs and the alcohol and the women who don't matter needs to stop. so when brant is challenged by nadine titus to take on management of a luxury resort and spa he signs the papers without a second thought.

of course, once he is at the resort he finds himself in nikki's path. at first, they are both too angry, too hurt to really understand what happened between them. there is so much pain, and loss, and grief they need to work through. they were young and alone and when they lost the ability to trust each other. they lost their way.

rebuilding that trust isn't an easy thing. brant, in particular, has done some pretty horrid things, but he loves her. and she loves him. and because of that, he can find a way to make things right. he has to, because there is no other option for him. when it comes down to it, the only person he wants to share his life with, the only person he wants to live for is nikki.

if you've read the other books in the series, you will be satisfied with how things tie up for brant. as with the other books in this series, the family dynamics and external intrusions into the relationship aren't my favorite. and some of the weird, physical comedy falls flat, but how brant and nikki find their way back to each other is still emotionally satisfying.

**the bachelor contract will publish on november 28, 2017. i received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/grand central publishing (forever) in exchange for my honest review.

The third installment to “The Bachelors of Arizona” is a story of second chance, a story of forgiveness, understanding and homecoming. And guess what: Nadine Titus strikes again! This time around, she has decided to reunite Brant Wellington with his ex-wife Nikki.

Brant is in a downward spiral fueled by his regrets and his feelings of guilt. His happy life has been ripped away from him by a tragedy and memories of the past haunt him. He stands at a crossroads in his life, desperately seeking a new direction, a new purpose.

Nikki and Brant never had real closure, they were only focused on their grief and their mutual anger. With their years apart leading to somewhat calmer waters between them, it soon becomes evident that their chemistry is still the same. They both must come to terms with their painful past and look forward to their potential future.

I enjoyed this book for the most part but it fell short of its interesting premise. I expected an emotional story and never really got it. Perhaps the most difficult aspect of this book was that I didn’t like either of the main characters. Their inability to talk to each other was frustrating. Miscommunication and misunderstandings between them were the cause of their divorce.

The cast of supporting characters was great, though. My favorite scenes were the ones with Brant’s twin brother, Bentley and Cole, Nikki’s friend. The supporting characters add depth, humor and warmth to the story. Overall, this book is not my favorite in the series, but still worth reading.