A second-chance romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Bet, Matchmaker and Elite series She’s everywhere. Ex-wife. Love of his life. The last person in the world he wanted to see…ever. And now that he’s working beside her every day, he can’t escape her. Her scent, glimpses of her smile, even the tension in the air that makes his body hum with the kind of need he’d only … that makes his body hum with the kind of need he’d only experienced with one person-all of it is driving him over the edge.
Brant Wellington was certain of three things:
Alcohol wasn’t going to solve this.
He really was losing his F-ing mind.
And his gorgeous ex-wife was going to be the death of him.
The Bachelors of Arizona series: The Bachelor Auction
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***3.5 Stars***
This one was a rough one for me, one that I came quite close to DNF’ing if I’m absolutely honest. I hate to admit that, because I never want to DNF a book, especially one that I have been looking forward to reading (even if it did take me a long, LONG time to get to). But there was that one ‘thing’ that kept me reading, which I’ll get to in a bit) and in the end I’m happy I stuck it out to see how everything worked out for Nikki and Brant.
So, the ‘thing’, or really ‘things’, that kept me reading were Cole and Nadine. I’ve loved Nadine since first being in her presence and kinda want to be her when I grow up. But Cole was pretty amazing. Had there not been a “Cole” in the mix, I wouldn’t have kept going. He was sweet, protective, snarky and I absolutely adored him.
Now for Nikki and Brant. It’s really hard to truly dislike either of, especially after all that they had gone through in a very short amount of time. Nikki, I really liked from the start and after finding out all that had happened I couldn’t help but admire how she found a way to pick herself up and at least attempt to have some semblance of a life. Brant, I obviously had many, many moments where I wanted to do way more than Gibbs smack him, even after finding out the full story. I swear my heart bled for both of them, but his self loathing went to a level that I couldn’t handle. But, as they both FINALLY communicated with each other ~ truly communicated, I started to root for them and ended up very happy with where they were at in the end.
This one put me through the ringer and the honest truth is that if Cole, or a character like him, hadn’t been a part of the story I would have DNF’d, so this really goes to show how secondary/supporting characters can help to make or break a book for me. I waffled a bit on my rating and if I should round down or up, I picked up because by the end I was all in. So, if you like OTT angst, then this one is definitely for you.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
This is the third book in the series Bachelors of Arizona. These are stand alone issues and do not have to be read in order. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and in return I promised an honest review.
Brant Wellington is divorced from his true love and he’s turned to the bottle and women to ease his guilty conscience. He could have continued on this way forever if his family did not involve him in a bachelor auction that forces him back into the business and off to one of the Wellington resorts to do an assessment. Once there his past blows up in his face by his ex-wife, the one and only true love of his life…Nikki.
Nikki was shattered with the death of her son and just a day later, she was caught in a fire that blinded her and then Brant walks out of her life. Nik fought hard for the life she has now and once she smells Brant and comes face to face with him she knows she’s in for the fight of her life to keep him from breaking her all over again.
Brant sets out to seduce her and win her trust back by replaying their past dates. He knows he needs to let go of the past and finally have that “talk” that is crucial to the healing of their hearts. Can he persuade her that love is better the second time around and that he can be the man that she needs now?
5 ROMANCED stars! This book is a highly emotional journey. Be prepared for an earth-shattering story full of feelings and redemption.
“True love doesn’t trap. It doesn’t bribe. It offers a choice.”
For heaven’s sake! Is this for real? Why on earth haven’t I read any of Rachel Van Dyken’s books before? Her writing is brightly emotional, passionate and addictive. Reading The Bachelor Contract was a thrilling experience that I need to repeat. My heart made weird moves inside my chest while reading each page of this wonderful book. It consumed my soul and it left me emotionally drained. The author knew how to transmit every emotion of the characters that caused me goose bumps (I still feel them).
The plot is well build, the pace is fast and the characters are quite complex. They have destroyed what they had together but the universe is giving them a second chance to fix it. This is the first book over the year that brings tears to my eyes. It can be compared to a rose… beautiful, sweet and dangerous (because of the thorns). It is a highly emotional and tearjerker read that will have your drooling.
The Bachelor Contract has all the needed elements to make it a fabulous read. This is one unicorn between the second chance romances. It is emotional and steamy, sweet and dangerous, intense and addictive. Those are quite powerful combinations. This is the kind of book that should be read while you enjoy a glass of wine. Be prepared for an earth-shattering story full of feelings and redemption.
Have I mentioned that this book has a sexy asshole and a strong woman? Yep. It just gets better and better, isn’t it? Brant Wellington is going to be your next book boyfriend. He is exactly what doctor prescribed you: a sinful, possessive, passionate and damaged man. I agree with Cole about Brant being an asshole (if you read the book, you will understand what I mean). While reading this book there were times that I wanted to punch him on his manly face. He isn’t the “conventional” Charming Prince. He is a damaged one.
On the other side is Nikki. She became one of my favourite heroines. Despite her loss and suffering, she knew how to get ahead. You could think she is the typical damsel in distress but she isn’t. She is stronger. Her heart was broken by the same man who she still loves.
“Because I’ll always love you. Because no matter how many times you hurt me, I want you.
I crave you. I dream of you.”
Nikki and Brant deserve a closure. Their souls miss their soul mate. How can you forgive the man who hurt you the most? Destiny and life were hard on them. They lost, they were hurt and they destroyed what they had. Nonetheless from ashes, they will come alive again as the phoenix does.
“She was his heaven. He was in hell.”
To forget and forgive, to trust and love blindly, those are important issues in order to carry on with any kind of relationship. Nikki pushed Brant out of her life and Brant left without fighting. They were young, they didn’t have their families’ support, they fail but this time will be different. After their separation, they weren’t living. They were miserable the one without the other. They were just surviving.
“The eyes are the windows to the soul,
And you’ve always owned mine.”
Reading this book is a journey that I did not want it to ever end it. I couldn’t put it down. The characters will stay with me. They felt so REAL, nothing was forced. I LOVED their story but my heart is still recovering. I need more of these characters. This book is a part of the Bachelors of Arizona series and I am dying to read the other books of this series. I have a little request to Rachel: Cole deserves his own book please!
(ARC courtesy of the editorial and author in exchange for an honest review)
Rachel Van Dyken at her finest! Leaving you a lasting impression and a massive smile on your face long after the story has ended!
“True love doesn’t trap. It doesn’t bribe. It offers a choice.”
It’s been awhile since I have read a book that was sexy, comical and emotional all in one bundle. The Bachelor Contract by Rachel Van Dyken, the #1 NY Times bestseller of The Bet, Matchmaker and Elite series has delivered an impeccable and superb choice for her latest novel! This novel will make you laugh and have tears in your eyes all in the same chapter.
The last thing Brant Wellington wanted to do was return back to Arizona for family business. He would much rather see to the end of a tumbler than to be working with his grandfather’s mistress and checking in on every nook-cranny of the spa/resort. Every turn he takes at the resort he remembers his ex-wife Nikki. Her smell, glimpses of other women remind him of her and their past love they had, but also the tragedy that commenced. What if those glimpses are not fake and his ex is really in that resort? When he finds out that she’s been living the hardship life, necks will roll, but can his heart mend from the past mistakes with his sights on Nikki?
“I have everything.
I’ve lost everything.”
One thing that Rachel excels in with her novels is expressing the connection between the hero and heroine. the feelings between the two had such intense chemistry it was explosive. The way she portrayed their struggles were real, heartfelt, and consuming. But the love and lust never evaporated even though time did.
Brant’s family is one huge ball of crazy. I loved every single character in this book and then some. Especially, Nadine! She is a riot. For her personality and age to be older but yet to be so in tune with the younger crowd with the sexual innuendoes was hilarious. My heart loved Cole so much. He was the perfect friend match for Nikki and then to take a 180 spin with Brant was a special moment that will always warm my heart. These characters that Rachel produced will snuggle into your heart and implant themselves within the crevices. You will long to remember them multiple books from when you finish.
I would love to see an epilogue of Brant and Nikki of them later in life. Where they are, maybe a miracle has happened. To see their progress/journey from which where they started on their rocky road but the end result was beautiful and amazing to witness.
Not enough stars to rate! The Bachelor Contract deserves 6 Stars.
The Bachelor Contract is the third book in the Bachelors of Arizona series by the amazing Rachel Van Dyken. Each book can be read as standalone since each book is a different Wellington brother finding their happily ever after. Bentley and Brock are living theirs and now it was time for Brant…
He had it all then he lost it. He left and never looked back. Four years and many drunken nights, casual hookups, and parties later he was in the same room with her. His ex-wife. His soulmate. The one he drinks to forget but never will. He was angry mostly with himself that his life has gotten to this point. He blamed himself for what happened between them and seeing her again only made him hate himself even more. Drink even more. Then Nadine digs her claws into him even more and offers him a job. A job he was once amazing at. President for new resort acquisitions. What he didn’t realize at the time was that he was now going to be seeing his ex, Nikki every day for the next week at the resort she happen to be a masseuse.
Nikki would never forgot the way Brant made her feel. The good and the bad. She both loved and hated him. Hated him for leaving when she needed him most. Loved him because of the way he made he feel before their lives changed four years ago. That was the Brant she remembers. Not this Brant. The angry jackass that walked around the resort yelling at the employees for no good reason. The one who acts like their past together didn’t matter. She knew he cared. Probably too much and that is why he was this Brant and not the other. Can she get that Brant to show up? To open up so they have closure.
Brant and Nikki’s relationship is complicated, heartbreaking, funny, sexy, and emotional. Brant has his faults but underneath that it all he is swoon worthy. He has his moods but I thought the different stages of them made him feel more real. Nikki is a strong woman that I admire and wish I knew in real life. Together, they have their past. Now their present. Will their futures be together?
Overall…I love a good second chance romance and this one was awesome! It has humor, heart, and pain. I was hooked from the very start. I cried, swooned, and got hot and bothered. I have been waiting for their story since The Bachelor Auction and it was so worth the wait. It was even better than I expected.
P.S. I want more Cole!
Quote:
“He’s always angry. It’s kind of his thing.”
“You do realize I could be envisioning something along the lines of CSI while you’re all Fifty Shades, right?”
“It’s not like you shit rainbows, either. You were friend zoned from the start,” Brant grumbled.
“Ouch. Good one,” Cole mocked with a sarcastic edge to his voice.
Brant is an arse most of the time but the man is considerate when it counts, “not all the way.” He smiled down at her even though she couldn’t see him. “I figured the best way for you to clean up was with a shower partner.” Brant loves to relive to good memories with his woman, “he breathed out a sigh of relief, then pulled away from her and helped her to her feet. “I’m pretty sure the last Thanksgiving we spent together included shower ***. In fact, I’m positive.” I enjoyed this book, Brant was a moody man half the time but thats what makes you fall in love with him.
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!
Oh this series! This third book in the The Bachelors of Arizona was amazing! This second chance love story between Brant and Nikki was so moving, the past hurts and heartbreak you read and feel for these two was epic. The dialogue between the secondary characters was hysterical and laugh out loud funny! Especially the whole “Zen Program”. I am hoping for a spin-off for some of the characters we met in this book. Such a well written story, thank you for your words!
A very funny and emotional romance book, very well written by my favorite Rachel Van Dyken. All three books in the series are must reads!
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.
This book is the third in the Bachelors of Arizona series but absolutely can be read as a standalone book. Brant and Nikki met and married when they were very young. They didn’t have blessings from either of their families, but that was OK in the beginning. They had each other. But when tragedy struck, they were both too hurt by each other and by circumstances to be able to make it through and they went their separate ways. Both hurt beyond what they could handle. Brant turned to drinking and women. Nikki turned to her career and her best friend. Now they are thrown together… can they get beyond the hurt, or will the hate be too great to overcome?
Yes, I’m a pretty big (OK huge!) fan of this author. But I have to say, this wasn’t my favorite of her romcom series books. Don’t get me wrong. This is a great story. And really angsty for a romcom. (Apparently I really like angst because her mafia series is my current favorite. Who knew?! So maybe I am a bit biased….) It also covers a really hard topic, so there were also some tears. But for some reason, I just wasn’t able to get into these two characters like I was able to in the first two books. But that’s all me. The writing is great, as you’d expect from her. And since it had been quite a while since I read book 2, I felt she did a great job giving the reader enough background of the minor characters as they appeared from the first 2 books so that if you haven’t read the first two, you aren’t going to be lost at all. There’s also the sarcastic wit we’ve come to expect and love from this author, even amidst the heavy stuff. It truly does read like an extended episode of “Friends” in the later seasons, so if you loved that show, you’ll want to read this book.
My rating: I’m going to give this story 4.5 stars. While it had all the elements of a 5 star read, I didn’t leave the story unable to stop thinking about it. However, I will still highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romantic comedies, with the added bonus of angst.
Once upon a time Brandt found the kind of love that most people only dream about finding, and it lead to a marriage, but then life got in the way, feelings got hurt, hearts bruised and then he lost that love. And it has haunted him everyday since, if only he had done things differently, tried a little harder to hold onto it, then maybe he wouldn’t be so miserable now. He has tried to move on from what he had with his wife, but no matter how many nameless/faceless women have followed him home and into his bed, she still manages to find a way to mess with his head and his heart. His family sees how he is struggling to move on, and tries to help, but forcing him to face his past isn’t what he has in mind… nor does going on the date with the ex-wife that still holds his heart!
Nikki has never stopped loving her ex-husband, there is a part of her that still belongs to him, but admitting that outright isn’t something you will see her do. She knows what they had is the forever kind of love that most people are never lucky enough to find, but what good is love when the person you have those feelings for leaves your heart in ruins, and doesn’t return those feelings. She has tried to move on from what they had and find it with someone else, but no matter how hard she tries to let go of him and those feelings, they always seem to find a way to creep back in, and continue to hold her heart hostage. She knows they belong together, if only they had a second chance to fix what they broke…
The Bachelor Contract is a poignant story that inspires, makes you believe in the possibility of second chances, and reminds you that when you have love, you have it all! Settling down to read this one I thought I knew what I was in for, judging by the previous installments that I had read, but honestly I don’t think I was prepared for what I found at all, this was such a moving read! I think for more than half of it my heart was in my throat, the tears were welling in my eyes, and my heart felt like it was in a vise, but every now and then there was a smile too… fair warning this one packs a serious emotional punch!! It was such a joy to watch these two re-discover what they lost, and I’ll admit at times I wasn’t real impressed with Brandt’s behavior, but little by little he found a way to redeem himself, and by the end the man had stolen my heart! Of the three installments I have to say I favored this one the most, it had an emotional depth I wasn’t expecting, and I feel like I took so much more away from it… but with that being said I really loved meeting all the bachelors from Arizona! Highly recommend this series, Ms. Van Dyken’s bachelors are sure to win your heart and have you swooning throughout!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title
Never have I lost my heart as quickly as I have with Rachel Van Dyken’s, Bachelors of Arizona series. Brock and Jane were the beginning of something wonderful. Bentley and Margot were the culmination of something special and Brant and Nikki were like a dance with destiny. The Bachelor Contract is as captivating as it is heartbreaking. What began as a beautiful romance, lost it’s innocence and became a journey of pain, guilt and salvation. I have yet to piece my heart back together. Every author has a story that symbolizes the best of them and I think, The Bachelor Contract is Ms. Van Dyken’s signature tale. The message is powerful, the hope is inspiring and the love story is everlasting.