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geekxgirl's review against another edition
3.0
I've enjoyed quite a few of Rachel's books before getting my hands on Cheater. So I'll admit that compared to her Wingmen Inc series (which I just adored) it fell a bit south of the same quality of writing.
The book and plot itself were interesting and I was a little concerned because of the cheating trope that I'd be put off but wanted to give it a try. Surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I was expecting in regards to that side of the story. Yes, the hero Lucas Thorn was a little difficult to digest at times throughout most of the book. But what saved him aside from the prologue warning us we would hate him before we even dipped our toes in was the fact as the story progressed we peel back layers to Lucas and begin to understand the motivation and reasons behind what he believed were logical choices in pursuing his polygamy style relationship with a week's worth of women. And it was hard to really accept his choice in lifestyle even after we were given enough backstory to truly understand the path that took him to where he was now and why he chose to live the way he did. It was hard to be okay with it especially as his relationship with the heroine Avery progresses.
Now, Avery, I'll admit I found her hard to like at times. Yes, her and Lucas's interactions were almost always fraught with sexual tension and a volley of sarcastic banter. The problem though with their relationship before it even became a real romantic relationship was all the antagonizing. They had one of the most antagonistic relationships I've ever encountered. I've been down the love/hater types but this one was something else. Sometimes I never really understood why either put up with one another, especially Lucas.
There was also the fact there was a ten year age gap between twenty-two-year-old Avery and thirty-two-year-old Lucas. Add on top of that the complete backstory they both shared with his ex-fiance being her oldest sister and having grown up with him always around since their parents had been the best of friends and lived on the same street. Yeah, it was loaded with drama from all angles. But at the end of the day when the story continued to unravel and you begin to understand Lucas and his guilt and feelings behind what drove him to the man-whore lifestyle you begin to sympathize with him. Which I think Rachel did very well writing. It wasn't an easy road that Lucas took and it hurt a lot of people, including Avery which as we begin to wonder and are later told was the one he really wanted.
I know what you're thinking, that's just wrong, right? A twenty-seven-year-old man wanting the seventeen-year-old sister of his fiance? Yeah, it does seem so at first but the way that part of the story is revealed and told as we learn the complete story of the big event four years prior it all began to make sense. He and Avery had so much in common and grew close as she grew up and she had always had a crush on him. But it was sad. He came to care deeply for Avery and knew his feelings weren't right. Not just because he was engaged to her older sister and did care for her despite their troubles leading up to their marriage which neither decided to broach but because of how young she was. He knew it even then and it scared him for a handful of reasons. Because she was so young, he was engaged to her sister, he felt such a connection to Avery and of course because he felt if he had the option to have Avery he would act on it and therefore making him a cheater. All of it weighed heavy on him in the months leading to his wedding. And on the night of the rehearsal dinner as we learn in the prologue and in later chapters was when he was the most miserable and made mistakes and hurt not only Avery and his fiance Kayla but their parents. Not even counting in Avery's other sister Brooke's involvement. That woman was a piece of work and pissed me off so much.
In short, the book was good. It was entertaining as hell and had me laughing quite a bit at the antics between the two. At the end of the day though I didn't really like the constant antagonism between the two and it became tiresome as it went on. On top of that, there were quite a few times Avery's age showed. Which wouldn't usually be a bad thing considering she's meant to act her age but most of the book the two of them not only antagonize one another but they both acted so juvenile and immature and that if anything was the biggest flaw in the book for me and really brought down my rating to a three star. All the juvenile behavior made for a ridiculously entertaining read but it really brought down my respect for both characters since Lucas often brought himself down to Avery's level. On top of that were his parents. I will NEVER believe his parents were THAT bad and outrageous in their behavior. It was wayyyyy too over the top and felt ridiculous despite how hilarious it was when they popped up.
Overall not a bad read but could definitely stand for some adjustments if ever re-published. But still worth a read and who knows you might enjoy it or most of it as much as I did. I'll definitely try and check out the next in the series [b:Cheater's Regret|32617817|Cheater's Regret (Curious Liaisons, #2)|Rachel Van Dyken|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482032414s/32617817.jpg|53205052] when it comes out.
The book and plot itself were interesting and I was a little concerned because of the cheating trope that I'd be put off but wanted to give it a try. Surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I was expecting in regards to that side of the story. Yes, the hero Lucas Thorn was a little difficult to digest at times throughout most of the book. But what saved him aside from the prologue warning us we would hate him before we even dipped our toes in was the fact as the story progressed we peel back layers to Lucas and begin to understand the motivation and reasons behind what he believed were logical choices in pursuing his polygamy style relationship with a week's worth of women. And it was hard to really accept his choice in lifestyle even after we were given enough backstory to truly understand the path that took him to where he was now and why he chose to live the way he did. It was hard to be okay with it especially as his relationship with the heroine Avery progresses.
Now, Avery, I'll admit I found her hard to like at times. Yes, her and Lucas's interactions were almost always fraught with sexual tension and a volley of sarcastic banter. The problem though with their relationship before it even became a real romantic relationship was all the antagonizing. They had one of the most antagonistic relationships I've ever encountered. I've been down the love/hater types but this one was something else. Sometimes I never really understood why either put up with one another, especially Lucas.
There was also the fact there was a ten year age gap between twenty-two-year-old Avery and thirty-two-year-old Lucas. Add on top of that the complete backstory they both shared with his ex-fiance being her oldest sister and having grown up with him always around since their parents had been the best of friends and lived on the same street. Yeah, it was loaded with drama from all angles. But at the end of the day when the story continued to unravel and you begin to understand Lucas and his guilt and feelings behind what drove him to the man-whore lifestyle you begin to sympathize with him. Which I think Rachel did very well writing. It wasn't an easy road that Lucas took and it hurt a lot of people, including Avery which as we begin to wonder and are later told was the one he really wanted.
I know what you're thinking, that's just wrong, right? A twenty-seven-year-old man wanting the seventeen-year-old sister of his fiance? Yeah, it does seem so at first but the way that part of the story is revealed and told as we learn the complete story of the big event four years prior it all began to make sense. He and Avery had so much in common and grew close as she grew up and she had always had a crush on him. But it was sad. He came to care deeply for Avery and knew his feelings weren't right. Not just because he was engaged to her older sister and did care for her despite their troubles leading up to their marriage which neither decided to broach but because of how young she was. He knew it even then and it scared him for a handful of reasons. Because she was so young, he was engaged to her sister, he felt such a connection to Avery and of course because he felt if he had the option to have Avery he would act on it and therefore making him a cheater. All of it weighed heavy on him in the months leading to his wedding. And on the night of the rehearsal dinner as we learn in the prologue and in later chapters was when he was the most miserable and made mistakes and hurt not only Avery and his fiance Kayla but their parents. Not even counting in Avery's other sister Brooke's involvement. That woman was a piece of work and pissed me off so much.
In short, the book was good. It was entertaining as hell and had me laughing quite a bit at the antics between the two. At the end of the day though I didn't really like the constant antagonism between the two and it became tiresome as it went on. On top of that, there were quite a few times Avery's age showed. Which wouldn't usually be a bad thing considering she's meant to act her age but most of the book the two of them not only antagonize one another but they both acted so juvenile and immature and that if anything was the biggest flaw in the book for me and really brought down my rating to a three star. All the juvenile behavior made for a ridiculously entertaining read but it really brought down my respect for both characters since Lucas often brought himself down to Avery's level. On top of that were his parents. I will NEVER believe his parents were THAT bad and outrageous in their behavior. It was wayyyyy too over the top and felt ridiculous despite how hilarious it was when they popped up.
Overall not a bad read but could definitely stand for some adjustments if ever re-published. But still worth a read and who knows you might enjoy it or most of it as much as I did. I'll definitely try and check out the next in the series [b:Cheater's Regret|32617817|Cheater's Regret (Curious Liaisons, #2)|Rachel Van Dyken|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482032414s/32617817.jpg|53205052] when it comes out.
wadezone's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read by Rachel Van Dyken. This was a very interesting story with characters that have some very interesting challenges. I definitely found the story of a man having sex with a different woman everyday of the week except for Sunday. A man who doesn't want a commitment.
kpaladino's review against another edition
5.0
Cheaters never win...or do they?
Lucas Thorne! More than this book being a clever idea having Lucas with his very own "calendar" girls it was beyond funny. I laughed as often as I dramatically sighed at all the "that's so sweet" moments. Avery was a fountain of hysterical banter and the key to unlocking Lucas's caged heart. Great Book can't wait to read Thatch's story!
Lucas Thorne! More than this book being a clever idea having Lucas with his very own "calendar" girls it was beyond funny. I laughed as often as I dramatically sighed at all the "that's so sweet" moments. Avery was a fountain of hysterical banter and the key to unlocking Lucas's caged heart. Great Book can't wait to read Thatch's story!
lmrivas54's review against another edition
3.0
Annoying
I loved the story about Lucas and Avery. Four years ago, their families were best friends. This happy friendship was ruined when Lucas, who was supposed to marry Kayla, was found in bed with Brooke. Both Kayla and Brooke are Avery's big sisters. Avery and Lucas were great friends but this friendship also broke with the family feud. Now Avery is Lucas' new intern, and the past is brought forward with a vengeance. Lucas is now a serial cheater, with a schedule that includes a different girl each day, except Sundays. As he says, "it's not cheating if they all know about it". Avery tries to stick to her hating but Lucas is a good an, and it comes through. He doubts himself, but he's attracted to Avery. The big question is, if he can commit to one girl. The premise of the story is great, but I didn't love the delivery. Many part were supposed to be funny but to me were annoying, I felt that Avery was very offensive and hurtful towards Lucas. By the time I was 67% into the book I was tired of the abuse, and impatient for the story to end. Lucas may feel guilty but it was obvious from the start he had cause to call off the wedding, he just hates hurting people and messed it up. The last part of the book was the best one. The "funny" parts were over and the story flowed more straight forward.
I loved the story about Lucas and Avery. Four years ago, their families were best friends. This happy friendship was ruined when Lucas, who was supposed to marry Kayla, was found in bed with Brooke. Both Kayla and Brooke are Avery's big sisters. Avery and Lucas were great friends but this friendship also broke with the family feud. Now Avery is Lucas' new intern, and the past is brought forward with a vengeance. Lucas is now a serial cheater, with a schedule that includes a different girl each day, except Sundays. As he says, "it's not cheating if they all know about it". Avery tries to stick to her hating but Lucas is a good an, and it comes through. He doubts himself, but he's attracted to Avery. The big question is, if he can commit to one girl. The premise of the story is great, but I didn't love the delivery. Many part were supposed to be funny but to me were annoying, I felt that Avery was very offensive and hurtful towards Lucas. By the time I was 67% into the book I was tired of the abuse, and impatient for the story to end. Lucas may feel guilty but it was obvious from the start he had cause to call off the wedding, he just hates hurting people and messed it up. The last part of the book was the best one. The "funny" parts were over and the story flowed more straight forward.
astarions_bhaal_babe's review against another edition
1.0
"What is this, middle school?"
Dear fellow readers, I didn't pick that particular quote randomly. I didn't pick it because I found it funny. I picked it because it represents perfectly what and how I feel about this book.
Also, I think this rant- ahem, I mean review, is super rambly and mostly some kind of spoilery, so feel free to ignore it and go straight to the last line.
I'm kinda biased saying this, but I wouldn't miss the chance. It'd be a pity to skip it, coz I really put all the snarkiness I could gather in this rant view, and we all know that sarcasm-driven speeches are always the best.
Anyway, since we're living in a world where sometimes things like these are not clear enough, remember this is my opinion and I've got absolutely nothing against people who liked this book.
After all, variety is the spice of life!
Those of you who are aware of my reading habits, know that NA is not my favorite genre by a long shot, but I don't mind a well-written, sexy and funny one, from time to time.
This one was recommended to me by my mum (I'll get to her later, don't worry), with the premise that it was omg so hilarious and entertaining!!1!1.
After reading it, I think I'll never take one of her recs ever again.
Thanks mum, for ruining the entire reading experience for me.
I'm giving it an extra half a star instead of just one because the writing was actually funny at first, and the author really has a nice sense of humor, but you can only write a limited number of quirky/pseudo funny jokes before said jokes start sounding forced.
Said this, I'll do something I usually don't do when writing reviews: I'll set a list of things I didn't like.
For the list of things I did like instead, you can look into a super massive black hole because they're non-existent.
Or you can ask my dog.
He heard me cursing at this book's awfulness like a sailor for the past 8 hours, after all.
You ready for a wild ride? Because I sure as heck won't hold back.
First of all, the characters.
Lucas Thorn is basically a breeding bull with an apparently golden dick, who, of course, wears business clothes like there's no tomorrow and has, of course, too much confidence. He's got a woman for every day of the week with the excuse that he needs and likes sex, all the time (please kill me). Let's face it, not even the horniest of prepubescent kids would want to fuck like a rabbit or spend time with a lady every single day. It's just out of this world.
And, okay, who am I to judge polyamorous relationships? But this is all a giant and unneccessary iperbole because, there's a lot of poly and very little amorous here.
If that wasn't enough, his girls (which he sometimes affectionately calls by the day of the week they represent) all know about one another and, not only are ready to share with no questions asked said famous and godly golden discostick, they also all worship Lucas like the deity he isn't. Bad guy trope much? You haven't heard the least of it.
You can blame it all on his troubled past (as freaking if!). He's the good guy turned cheater by circumstances (or this is what he'll tell you. I believe all the fault is to put on his ding-dong's weird appetite and his best friend's equally disgusting relationship with the other gender), the one that basically ruins everybody's life when he was 27, by fooling around with his fiancèe's sister the night before the wedding, while being in love with a third, underage one. Here, have a gold star
Avery Black, his female counterpart, is just as unsufferable. Firstly, for someone who likes her food and claims to be a proud modern woman, she's the opposite of what a feminist icon should be.
She deceipts other women (especially her sisters!!!), slut and fat-shames Lucas' Week-Chicks (and every other woman who happens to walk by in that moment) without any remorse or shame, and acts like a jealous, immature maniac when things don't go her way.
She's also terribly unprofessional when it comes to her internship (despite repeating ad nauseam how much she needs it to eat and pay her rent), and she's just as bad as Lucas for wanting so bad into her sister's fiancé's pants. Yes, I get it, love is love (even if I have my complaints about theirs in particular), but holy shit, have some freaking respect.
Lucas and Avery's relationship is a joke.
They have zero chemistry. I honestly thought Lucas had more with any one of his other girlfriends (sorry, gals). Damn, even my favorite pair of socks and Harry Styles have more chemistry than thet could ever have.
I believe this also is to blame on the fact that Lucas is portrayed as this dashing playboy
The two also keep arguing. Like, all the freaking time. Their conversation are all about snarky remarks and comebacks that should and could be funny and sarcastic but sound shallow, scripted and infinitely childish, instead.
Seriously, these two even managed to argue during sex. And it wasn't the shmexy kind of fight you'd expect in these situations. No, sir. It was just plain boring and off-putting, like watching two chimpanzees fighting over who gets to keep the last banana. Hint: she gets the banana, he gets the melons. I got a headache.
But, according to what the author wants us to perceive from it all, this is what makes their relationship so special and hot. He's, oh, so funny, and she haaaaaaaates him so much for what he did to his sister, but she also likes his chest because he's a hottie and he gropes her like this and she responds like that and lkajsofhahfsaohfoa eeeeeeeeeeeeeh macarena. Sure, Jan. Whatever floats your boat.
Maybe, if they talked more about normal things, in a normal tone, instead of ogling each other's private parts and screaming like goats all the freaking time, it would have been different and better.
Alas, we get to keep the goats and they're not even good for cheese.
The romance is non-existent and so dull it made me yawn-cry/cringe/almost throw my Kindle away, more than once.
AND!!! A and L should learn to control their stalkerish behavior. I still can't believe Lucas turned the Find My Friends and GPS option on, on Avery's phone, and the author wanted us to believe what he did was sweet and obviously to blame on the crush he had.
I'm putting my hands up here and say that all this ranting has nothing to do with me not liking them as charaters. They both objectively and definitely need a lesson in growing up, and take their well-deserved blame with their head down asap. Actually, it kinda make sense now that I write and reason about it. These two terrible people are really made for each other. *places another gold star on both the main characters' foreheads*
Everyone in this book keeps crying.
The main character, her sisters, her friend, moms, dads, baby jesus, santa claus, my eyes for having to read this monstrosity, and so on to infinite and beyond.
I get a few drops from time to time, but we're exaggerating a bit, here.
It's an emotionally confused festival where it seems like everyone's only talent is prop up tears whenever they're needed, and not. Not the kind of event I'd like to attend, and it's a hormonally unstable woman telling you.
I also just remembered a scene where Avery was crying and when Lucas asked her why, she said something like “Because I'm a woman”.
Dude. Duuuuuuude. You're not worthy of your gender badge. *places a final gold star on female MC's mouth but only to stop her from saying other blasphemies*
Speaking of moms and dads...
Both the Blacks and the Thorns stopped speaking to each other the moment the infamous wedding got called off, promptly (and maybe even unjustifiably) putting all the blame on Lucas' magical fife. Okay, I sort of get it. BUT! The moment they realize he and Avery are dating (because, of course, there also is a side of fake-dating), it's like everything is forgotten.
Lucas' parents not only start planning a wedding (another one) with the last Black sister (another one), but his mom even goes as far as to put on a show and then bring the poor girl to a renomate gyno because she's concerned about her downward business.
C-r-e-e-p-y. Must run in the family.
Parents of both families -even the poor Kayla who was abandoned at the altar-, then start acting like personal Avery-Lucas cheerleaders, as if the prospect of a libertine man turned monogamous is more important than the fact that a) he's still the man who, according to everyone, ruined it all; b) they're all adult who behave like kids, and c) all that much intruding in your children's life can't be healthy. Seriously, no one in this story knows the meaning of the word 'boundaries'.
Not to be too direct here, but there's literally a scene where
Spoiler
Avercas (that's how I'm going to call them from now on) have inappropriate wild sex in a house full of people, during their fake engagement party, and not only the parents aren't pissed off by the rudeness, they also decide to turn on the music so the guests won't hear it.Regarding the cheating part:
I don't condone cheating and it's not my favorite thing to read about, but it's life, and sometimes, it happens, whether we like it or not. So, it's not entirely a problem for me when it comes to my books. What I really can't fathom, is how you can excuse these two fools from literally going behind Avery's sister's back, not once but twice, and have Kayla just be totally okay with it. Sure, she admits Lucas was her first love and they were never really in love, but can you imagine being so passive to something that would irk up a bit even a Tibetan monk? Doesn't it all make you want to throw an itsy bitsy punchy punch in someone's face? Not even a little? I don't know, my friends, this is all a mess.
Now, about the writing.
Like I said at the beginning, I didn't hate it at first. I must be honest and say that I even thought I'd found a new NA author I could go for. Despite the whole megalomaniac, full-naming thing Lucas had going on, I found Avery's hate towards him justifiable and source of hilarious inner monologues. That abruptly changed the moments all this hate suddenly turned into a desperate attraction. It was like the author forgot about this hellish book needing a plot and only focused on cringey dialogues, boring descriprions of people crying, and most importantly, on explaining how brainless both the MC's could become around each other. And not even in a cute way, I may add.
In short, it was like reading bad, self-indulgent fanfiction where everyone roots for the power couple even if said couple sucks, and there's so much drama you could build a castle with it and have it stand up and still during a war.
I mean, you expect a book like this to have its dramatic and angsty moments, just not this many. And not as stupid.
I haven't read any other books by Van Dyken, but if this is the kind of romance she writes about, I'll make sure to stay far away from it. And, again, it has really nothing to do with the fact that NA is not my favorite genre, because there are some NAs I've read that gave me all the best feels in the world. It's just that, for me, this book was unfortunately terrible and a terrible representation of what love should really look like.
A final note to all authors out there:
Nobody -I mean it with all my heart and soul-, no-freaking-body tastes heavenly when shoving their tongue down your throat after they had a bunch of Thai food and coffee for dinner. Nobody. It doesn't matter how hot and cute they are. Nobody. You can love someone all you want, but if their breath smells like Asian spices, shrimp and a venti latte macchiato, you sure won't be calling it heaven. Bearable maybe, but heaven? Puh-lease.
Stop the lie. I'm asking you. Do it for posterity, or at least for your very own credibility.
TLDR: hateful MCs and veeeeeeeeeeery doubious plot.
ACTUAL RATING 1,5/5
booklovershangout's review against another edition
4.0
I actually loved this story. I loved seeing how everything came about and learning why Lucas is the way he is. It definitely has the humor you are used to reading from Rachel Van Dyken. It also has sweet aspects and times that you want to chunk your reading device.
I was not a fan of Lucas in the beginning, but after learning more and understanding him a little better, he really began to grow on me. I loved Avery in the beginning, but I was frustrated at the fact that she was so strung and had no trouble standing up for herself, yet she gave in so quickly to Lucas. Other than that, I loved everything about this story.
I will always read Rachel Van Dyken. She is definitely on my list for authors I will read whatever they right. I thought Cheater was a great story and I can't wait to read more from her.
I was not a fan of Lucas in the beginning, but after learning more and understanding him a little better, he really began to grow on me. I loved Avery in the beginning, but I was frustrated at the fact that she was so strung and had no trouble standing up for herself, yet she gave in so quickly to Lucas. Other than that, I loved everything about this story.
I will always read Rachel Van Dyken. She is definitely on my list for authors I will read whatever they right. I thought Cheater was a great story and I can't wait to read more from her.
desertlover's review against another edition
4.0
I HATED Lucas Thorn...until I didn't.
Seeing the cover and synopsis of this book made me apprehensive. RVD assured readers this would not be a book about “cheating”, but for the first time ever I wasn’t thrilled to read a book from RVD. The beginning chapters did little to calm my apprehension. I found Lucas to be unlikable and a complete jerk. I had to rely on a fellow book friend and reviewer to get me through the early chapters. As much as Lucas annoyed me, I was immersed in the story and found it to be an addicting read.
It had been four years since I’d last seen her, but it felt like yesterday. She should have zero effect on me. And yet. She did.
RVD is one of the few authors that can pull off over the top comedy so effortlessly. I enjoyed their endless banter and silly antics from Avery and Lucas. From the first moment, there is undeniable chemistry despite their supposed disdain for each other. I wondered if these two would ever stop with their failed attempts at hating each other.
Hating him was difficult. Being attracted to him was inevitable.
It took me over the 30% mark to see Lucas in a different light. His character development is slow but entertaining. I enjoyed the wild and crazy ride and feel foolish for ever doubting RVD’s abilities. As with all her books, the supporting cast is entertaining and leaves interest for future books. This normally would have been a 3.5 Star read for me. Since my opinion of Lucas changed so drastically from the beginning, I feel it earns a 4 Star. I am excited for their story in the next installment since there were questions left unanswered about Thatch and Austin.
I recommend Cheater to anyone looking for a light romcom with a hate to love trope.
Seeing the cover and synopsis of this book made me apprehensive. RVD assured readers this would not be a book about “cheating”, but for the first time ever I wasn’t thrilled to read a book from RVD. The beginning chapters did little to calm my apprehension. I found Lucas to be unlikable and a complete jerk. I had to rely on a fellow book friend and reviewer to get me through the early chapters. As much as Lucas annoyed me, I was immersed in the story and found it to be an addicting read.
It had been four years since I’d last seen her, but it felt like yesterday. She should have zero effect on me. And yet. She did.
RVD is one of the few authors that can pull off over the top comedy so effortlessly. I enjoyed their endless banter and silly antics from Avery and Lucas. From the first moment, there is undeniable chemistry despite their supposed disdain for each other. I wondered if these two would ever stop with their failed attempts at hating each other.
Hating him was difficult. Being attracted to him was inevitable.
It took me over the 30% mark to see Lucas in a different light. His character development is slow but entertaining. I enjoyed the wild and crazy ride and feel foolish for ever doubting RVD’s abilities. As with all her books, the supporting cast is entertaining and leaves interest for future books. This normally would have been a 3.5 Star read for me. Since my opinion of Lucas changed so drastically from the beginning, I feel it earns a 4 Star. I am excited for their story in the next installment since there were questions left unanswered about Thatch and Austin.
I recommend Cheater to anyone looking for a light romcom with a hate to love trope.