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beckyrendon's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars
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
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
jaimejustreadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I was not expecting to cry when I went into this book. The other two books were pretty light-hearted and fun so I assumed we’d be getting the same with Brant’s story. I was wrong.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it almost feels like it was two different stories to me. Initially Brant was all anger and refusal to face anything from his past, especially Nikki. He was out of control with his partying and seemed to be hitting rock bottom with no signs of taking control of his life.
Cole was protective and wouldn’t let anything or anyone, especially Brant get close enough to hurt Nikki. Then suddenly it was like Brant was all about facing Nikki and, although he was still angry and rude, he faced her pretty easily. How being forced into facing her didn’t send him into even a tiny bit of a spiral is beyond me and kind of seemed to go against everything we knew about him. Then there was Cole who, out of nowhere, just left Nikki alone with Brant. I struggled with the whole shift in behavior from pretty much everyone besides Nikki.
That being said, once the shift happened I couldn’t stop reading. And crying. And laughing. Somehow through all the heartbreak and pain that had to surface in order for Nikki and Brant to even begin to try again, there was light-hearted funny moments that kept the story from feeling too heavy. Cole, Nadine and the rest of the secondary characters lent the perfect touch of humor that kept this feeling like the rest of the series. We’re getting a Cole book, right?
As usual with RVD, the writing was awesome, the character development was on point and the comedic tones were perfection. Definitely recommend.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it almost feels like it was two different stories to me. Initially Brant was all anger and refusal to face anything from his past, especially Nikki. He was out of control with his partying and seemed to be hitting rock bottom with no signs of taking control of his life.
Cole was protective and wouldn’t let anything or anyone, especially Brant get close enough to hurt Nikki. Then suddenly it was like Brant was all about facing Nikki and, although he was still angry and rude, he faced her pretty easily. How being forced into facing her didn’t send him into even a tiny bit of a spiral is beyond me and kind of seemed to go against everything we knew about him. Then there was Cole who, out of nowhere, just left Nikki alone with Brant. I struggled with the whole shift in behavior from pretty much everyone besides Nikki.
That being said, once the shift happened I couldn’t stop reading. And crying. And laughing. Somehow through all the heartbreak and pain that had to surface in order for Nikki and Brant to even begin to try again, there was light-hearted funny moments that kept the story from feeling too heavy. Cole, Nadine and the rest of the secondary characters lent the perfect touch of humor that kept this feeling like the rest of the series. We’re getting a Cole book, right?
As usual with RVD, the writing was awesome, the character development was on point and the comedic tones were perfection. Definitely recommend.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
canadianbookaddict's review against another edition
4.0
The Bachelor Contract is the third book in the Bachelors of Arizona series. You do not have to read the previous books before you read this one.
I loved this book. I loved the story and I was hooked from the very beginning.
If you are looking for a good second chance romance book then I do highly recommend this book.
I give this 4 out of 5.
I loved this book. I loved the story and I was hooked from the very beginning.
If you are looking for a good second chance romance book then I do highly recommend this book.
I give this 4 out of 5.
kara_hildebrand's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
I'm a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken's writing, stories, characters and her personally. She writes more than fluffy romance and I love that about her. I always laugh while I'm crying and laugh more than cry, but there's always substance, meaning and a bigger picture. The Bachelor Contract is Brant's story. We met him in the Bachelor Auction and I've been looking forward to his story ever since. He's drinking away his pain. Losing himself if nameless women trying to forget The Woman. When he ends up working at a resort where his ex-wife Nikki works hilarity ensues before he even lays eyes on her. I laughed out loud at the antics Nikki's best friend went through to keep them apart. Btw, LOVE Cole! Brant and Nikki have a sad history together and one night of passion isn't going to fix it. Can Brant finally open up to her? Will Nikki be able to open her heart again? I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot of emotion, loss and sadness amongst the humor and sexiness. It was the perfect mix of emotions for me! I laughed, cried, swooned and laughed some more. Brant has some pretty romantic gestures that warmed my heart! Now, I want COLE!
"I was talking about the sexy-as-sin guy who's staring you down like you're the last woman on earth - like you're his sunshine after years of living in a thundercloud."
"How can you tell me about the stars if you can't see the?
"The same way I recognize things without seeing them, I guess. I did it from memory, and when that failed, I just looked into your eyes."
"Why are you ruining polar bears for me? Thanks, dream killer."
I'm a huge fan of Rachel Van Dyken's writing, stories, characters and her personally. She writes more than fluffy romance and I love that about her. I always laugh while I'm crying and laugh more than cry, but there's always substance, meaning and a bigger picture. The Bachelor Contract is Brant's story. We met him in the Bachelor Auction and I've been looking forward to his story ever since. He's drinking away his pain. Losing himself if nameless women trying to forget The Woman. When he ends up working at a resort where his ex-wife Nikki works hilarity ensues before he even lays eyes on her. I laughed out loud at the antics Nikki's best friend went through to keep them apart. Btw, LOVE Cole! Brant and Nikki have a sad history together and one night of passion isn't going to fix it. Can Brant finally open up to her? Will Nikki be able to open her heart again? I really enjoyed this story. There was a lot of emotion, loss and sadness amongst the humor and sexiness. It was the perfect mix of emotions for me! I laughed, cried, swooned and laughed some more. Brant has some pretty romantic gestures that warmed my heart! Now, I want COLE!
"I was talking about the sexy-as-sin guy who's staring you down like you're the last woman on earth - like you're his sunshine after years of living in a thundercloud."
"How can you tell me about the stars if you can't see the?
"The same way I recognize things without seeing them, I guess. I did it from memory, and when that failed, I just looked into your eyes."
"Why are you ruining polar bears for me? Thanks, dream killer."
aboutthatstory's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this, it was such a great read! I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster I went on but it was so worth the ride.
I've been curious about Brant’s story since book one, The Bachelor Auction, and was excited to get to know him. He was such a hard, closed off guy and the why is heartbreaking but I loved the healing that came from him and Nikki reconnecting. Nikki was great and I really liked her strength and resilience. Brant and Nikki's story is intense, it's full of ups and downs and a lot of push and pull. I was filled with so much anticipation while learning their history because I wanted to know the reason they were so broken. It was so heartbreaking and raw. I really liked how the details were presented between past and present and I felt so much for these two as they came back together. There's a lot of tension and pain between them and breaking down their walls to get them to their HEA had me choking up.
The writing was good. I enjoyed the details, the build, and the timeline in which things were learned. There were times when the flow was off for me and I felt like I was missing something. Sometimes things felt slightly disjointed but I was so invested in their story and caught up with all the emotion I just had to keep turning the page. The second half was a bit slower for me but by the time the end rolled around, it all evened out.
I really enjoyed all of Brant’s family and the humor they brought to the table. Sometimes it could be chaotic and crazy, and a bit over the top but as intense and emotional as it was, I found myself laughing because that lightness was needed. The overall story with this book is what hooked got me. All that pain coming to a head as Brant and Nikki truly start to heal and come together again. It was a really wonderful second chance romance.
I really enjoyed this, it was such a great read! I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster I went on but it was so worth the ride.
I've been curious about Brant’s story since book one, The Bachelor Auction, and was excited to get to know him. He was such a hard, closed off guy and the why is heartbreaking but I loved the healing that came from him and Nikki reconnecting. Nikki was great and I really liked her strength and resilience. Brant and Nikki's story is intense, it's full of ups and downs and a lot of push and pull. I was filled with so much anticipation while learning their history because I wanted to know the reason they were so broken. It was so heartbreaking and raw. I really liked how the details were presented between past and present and I felt so much for these two as they came back together. There's a lot of tension and pain between them and breaking down their walls to get them to their HEA had me choking up.
The writing was good. I enjoyed the details, the build, and the timeline in which things were learned. There were times when the flow was off for me and I felt like I was missing something. Sometimes things felt slightly disjointed but I was so invested in their story and caught up with all the emotion I just had to keep turning the page. The second half was a bit slower for me but by the time the end rolled around, it all evened out.
I really enjoyed all of Brant’s family and the humor they brought to the table. Sometimes it could be chaotic and crazy, and a bit over the top but as intense and emotional as it was, I found myself laughing because that lightness was needed. The overall story with this book is what hooked got me. All that pain coming to a head as Brant and Nikki truly start to heal and come together again. It was a really wonderful second chance romance.
linzreadz13's review against another edition
4.0
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.
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.
paddlefoot55's review against another edition
DNF at 60%
Brant is just horrible, and I won't give him any more of my time
Brant is just horrible, and I won't give him any more of my time
bananatricky's review against another edition
1.0
DNF at 51%.
Okay, my bad, I've realised that I don't get on with Rachel Van Dyken's novels so it's on me for requesting a book by her. The trouble is she changes genre and the 'look' of her books so I don't instantly recall that I don't like her writing and then it's too late.
Anyway, I liked the look of the cover and the blurb sounded good so I requested an ARC.
All that aside, or taking that into account, this was just one big hot mess for me. Brant and Nikki were married, they were young and poor and they married in the face of his wealthy family's disapproval. They were blissfully happy until she lost their baby, he wasn't there to support her (because he too was devastated) and then something happened (I'm pretty sure I know what happened but it is clearly something the reader is supposed to discover slowly).
In the present Nikki is practically blind and she is a masseur in a very up-market resort which Brant's family has just acquired. Brant is blackmailed into taking his aunt's place to spend a week at the resort reviewing the staff and facilities. Ever since whatever happened, Brant has been a broken man, spending his days drunk and whoring around he is full of hate and self-loathing. At first he thinks he is hallucinating about Nikki, Nikki's boss tells him the masseur is deaf and he tells Nikki that her client is dumb (or vice versa) so it takes them both a while to realise that it is each other.
Nikki goes around crying at the drop of a hat, Brant spends his days drinking whisky, they kiss and have sex and then leave each other, rinse and repeat. At over half way through there didn't seem to be any plot, there was no progression and I disliked both of them.
My apologies Rachel, I promise I won't request any more of your books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
Okay, my bad, I've realised that I don't get on with Rachel Van Dyken's novels so it's on me for requesting a book by her. The trouble is she changes genre and the 'look' of her books so I don't instantly recall that I don't like her writing and then it's too late.
Anyway, I liked the look of the cover and the blurb sounded good so I requested an ARC.
All that aside, or taking that into account, this was just one big hot mess for me. Brant and Nikki were married, they were young and poor and they married in the face of his wealthy family's disapproval. They were blissfully happy until she lost their baby, he wasn't there to support her (because he too was devastated) and then something happened (I'm pretty sure I know what happened but it is clearly something the reader is supposed to discover slowly).
In the present Nikki is practically blind and she is a masseur in a very up-market resort which Brant's family has just acquired. Brant is blackmailed into taking his aunt's place to spend a week at the resort reviewing the staff and facilities. Ever since whatever happened, Brant has been a broken man, spending his days drunk and whoring around he is full of hate and self-loathing. At first he thinks he is hallucinating about Nikki, Nikki's boss tells him the masseur is deaf and he tells Nikki that her client is dumb (or vice versa) so it takes them both a while to realise that it is each other.
Nikki goes around crying at the drop of a hat, Brant spends his days drinking whisky, they kiss and have sex and then leave each other, rinse and repeat. At over half way through there didn't seem to be any plot, there was no progression and I disliked both of them.
My apologies Rachel, I promise I won't request any more of your books.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Bumped for release.
jaimereadsromance's review against another edition
4.0
I was not expecting to cry when I went into this book. The other two books were pretty light-hearted and fun so I assumed we’d be getting the same with Brant’s story. I was wrong.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it almost feels like it was two different stories to me. Initially Brant was all anger and refusal to face anything from his past, especially Nikki. He was out of control with his partying and seemed to be hitting rock bottom with no signs of taking control of his life.
Cole was protective and wouldn’t let anything or anyone, especially Brant get close enough to hurt Nikki. Then suddenly it was like Brant was all about facing Nikki and, although he was still angry and rude, he faced her pretty easily. How being forced into facing her didn’t send him into even a tiny bit of a spiral is beyond me and kind of seemed to go against everything we knew about him. Then there was Cole who, out of nowhere, just left Nikki alone with Brant. I struggled with the whole shift in behavior from pretty much everyone besides Nikki.
That being said, once the shift happened I couldn’t stop reading. And crying. And laughing. Somehow through all the heartbreak and pain that had to surface in order for Nikki and Brant to even begin to try again, there was light-hearted funny moments that kept the story from feeling too heavy. Cole, Nadine and the rest of the secondary characters lent the perfect touch of humor that kept this feeling like the rest of the series. We’re getting a Cole book, right?
As usual with RVD, the writing was awesome, the character development was on point and the comedic tones were perfection. Definitely recommend.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it almost feels like it was two different stories to me. Initially Brant was all anger and refusal to face anything from his past, especially Nikki. He was out of control with his partying and seemed to be hitting rock bottom with no signs of taking control of his life.
Cole was protective and wouldn’t let anything or anyone, especially Brant get close enough to hurt Nikki. Then suddenly it was like Brant was all about facing Nikki and, although he was still angry and rude, he faced her pretty easily. How being forced into facing her didn’t send him into even a tiny bit of a spiral is beyond me and kind of seemed to go against everything we knew about him. Then there was Cole who, out of nowhere, just left Nikki alone with Brant. I struggled with the whole shift in behavior from pretty much everyone besides Nikki.
That being said, once the shift happened I couldn’t stop reading. And crying. And laughing. Somehow through all the heartbreak and pain that had to surface in order for Nikki and Brant to even begin to try again, there was light-hearted funny moments that kept the story from feeling too heavy. Cole, Nadine and the rest of the secondary characters lent the perfect touch of humor that kept this feeling like the rest of the series. We’re getting a Cole book, right?
As usual with RVD, the writing was awesome, the character development was on point and the comedic tones were perfection. Definitely recommend.
*I received an ARC from NetGalley for voluntary review
izziede's review against another edition
3.0
This one just didn't work for me despite loving RVD as an author and liking the series so far.
I get he had issues but I hate the man-whore story line, esp when they are still hung up on their ex and of course she hasn't moved on with anyone else.
I can see they both had their reasons but ew!!
Also he is drunk and is thinking about his next drink but does not have any treatment or discussion about being an alcoholic or the possibility of being one.
I will clarify that although other women are mentioned there are no scenes with other women.
He is also drunk and mixing with people taking drugs and having sex with random women and there are no concerns about pregnancies or disease... if he is rich any of these women could have used this situation to try to trap him with pregnancy but this isn't a consideration from him or his family.
I understand these issues are not the focal point of the book, it's about the anguish of their marriage and their break-up but his behavior is so irresponsible I found it suprising in this modern day and age that these issues were not at least mentioned, by Brant, Nikki or any member of his family or Cole for that matter.
That aside the issues between Brant and Nikki are handled well, apart from him sleeping around in their time apart, they had some very serious tragedies and this is well written and quite sad.
There are additional characters and the usual fantastic banter that I love RVD for.
I get he had issues but I hate the man-whore story line, esp when they are still hung up on their ex and of course she hasn't moved on with anyone else.
I can see they both had their reasons but ew!!
Also he is drunk and is thinking about his next drink but does not have any treatment or discussion about being an alcoholic or the possibility of being one.
I will clarify that although other women are mentioned there are no scenes with other women.
He is also drunk and mixing with people taking drugs and having sex with random women and there are no concerns about pregnancies or disease... if he is rich any of these women could have used this situation to try to trap him with pregnancy but this isn't a consideration from him or his family.
I understand these issues are not the focal point of the book, it's about the anguish of their marriage and their break-up but his behavior is so irresponsible I found it suprising in this modern day and age that these issues were not at least mentioned, by Brant, Nikki or any member of his family or Cole for that matter.
That aside the issues between Brant and Nikki are handled well, apart from him sleeping around in their time apart, they had some very serious tragedies and this is well written and quite sad.
There are additional characters and the usual fantastic banter that I love RVD for.