“This is a great idea.” Aiden had jumped up, fist punched the air, and yelled, “That’s how we do it! BAM!”It stuck. Our initials, our ideas, our brand. My brothers.Three young men meet in university and form a lifelong friendship. Their pasts dictate the men they are, but their present shapes their future. What happens when these men meet the one person they are destined to be with? Can they … to be with? Can they fight their feelings and walk away? Or will they each succumb and learn the sweet agony of love?
Aiden
Haunted by memories of his past, Aiden plays the part of the happy-go-lucky friend. Always ready with a teasing smile or a joke, he is good at hiding his pain.
Using his impressive physique as a shield, he keeps his past buried beneath his rugged exterior.
Except, one woman sees through his façade.
Her green eyes see too much, even as her body tempts him.
Even as his heart yearns for her.
Cami is determined to make him realize that he is worthy of being loved.
He pushes her away at every turn, yet finds himself unable to keep her at arm’s length.
Who will win this battle of love?
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A sweet, sexy and suspenseful romance that’s compelling and heart-wrenching…
The Vested Interest series has really taken me by surprise. I thought that it was going to be your round of the mill billionaire romance, but it is so much more. Each book thus far has left completely and irrevocably in love with each and every one of the characters in this series. Even the villains have found a way of making me feel for them. In all honesty, I knew that I was going to love the series, no doubt whatsoever. However, I have not just loved every story, I have irrevocably fallen in love with them. And it’s not just because of the romance, in fact, mainly it’s because of the issues and the demons that form a constant fog throughout the plots. You know; you have this simmering chemistry, romance and a story that is endearing and beautiful, but there is always that cloudy layer that takes you a while to see through to the not so nice parts. Like, you can see the fog and you can feel the damp from it and you know there’s something more on the other side. You can feel the troubled pull, but it isn’t till you walk through it that it completely engulfs you. Bugger, I don’t even know whether I’m making sense here. I just know that each story has been a journey. Each story has addressed some sensitive topics that are just downright heart breaking.
So, Aiden is book #2 in the series and I have to say that as much as I adored Bentley…man, I just couldn’t put this book down. I became so fascinated by the plot and the characters that my fascination was actually bordering on obsession. It’s actually quite fitting considering the suspenseful plot. I’m really struggling here on how to word my raving and ranting because this is one of those books that requires you to go in blind. You don’t want to be told anything that happens because every single thing adds up to create this edge of your seat suspense that has you batting your own hands away from your mouth in fear that you won’t have any nails left. Yup, this baby is jam packed with nail bitting suspense and just when you think that everything is okay. That you’ve made it and that Aiden and Cami are bound so tightly that nothing could break them…booooooooooooooom! Seriously, you do not stand a chance at keeping the tears at bay. You don’t stand a chance at sparing yourself heartbreak. Once you’re in, you won’t be able to get out of this story. Even when you feel like it’s too much and you can’t take anymore, and that the best thing for you, emotionally, is to walk away…you will not be able to. Yes, a lot of it is down to how attach you will become to the characters, but a part of it is the writing itself. The writing is so beautiful and flawless. It’s so carefully and lovingly crafted that it ties all these strings around you and keeps dragging you along.
As far as the characters go, this book has one of the best casts I’ve ever come across. I loved seeing Bentley and Emmy again, I liked that although they were a part of the story and that you got to see their relationship progress in it, that they never took the spotlight away from Aiden and Cami. I also liked that the insight I got into Maddox and Dee only made me more desperate to read their story rather than taking away from their mystery. If that makes sense? I felt that Aiden’s character was so brilliantly mapped out. He had so many layers to him, yet he was so easy to fall in love with. Don’t get me wrong there were times that I just wanted to lob him one, but I have to admit that mostly I just wanted to shower him with love and affection. I liked that he was strong but he wasn’t too macho to cover up his vulnerabilities. I liked that he was honest about what life had done to him and how it had made it hard for him to trust others and their intentions towards him. At the same time, I have to praise Melanie on moulding a heroine that was strong and feisty and that had her own demons, but at the same time was a romantic and a believer in the good in people. I loved that Cami always saw more than what he showed her and that she never used that insight to pry him open, she just stored it and used it to fuel her feelings toward him. I loved their give and take. I loved that they weren’t childish about their feelings. The sureness of their attraction and love was just stunning and it made them a force to be reckoned with, even when they tried to fight it.
Aiden really was nothing short of a beautiful and poignant story. It was an emotional roller coaster of epic proportions with the highs being humorous, fun and swoony and the lows being tragic, heart wrenching and completely shattering. This has got to be in my top reads of 2018, and I know that I will be rereading this story before Maddox and Dee hit my kindle. I just can’t wait…and I am living in the hope that Reed gets his own book because that is one bad boy that feels just too good to miss out on.
Aiden is an other fabulous story by the lovey Melanie !
Aiden is going to pull you in and take you on quite a ride! He is a loyal friend, wise beyond his years, will protect you to the end and oh so troubled !
He doesn’t feel that he can fully give of himself so he settles for just sex, no feelings. That is working well until Cami. She bursts into his life and takes hold. She shows him that people do care . She is beautiful , tough and has a such a good heart. She wants anything that Aiden has to offer even if it is only casual sex and friendship . That soon wears on her heart and she must make a break! Aiden soon realizes that he wants more but he isn’t sure how to make it happen or is it too late!
Loved them ! They are so good together .
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Swoon. Tree Trunk is so amazing. I knew this story would be hard to read and I would love it. It’s everything and more. Men showing their emotions is hard and we all know that. For Aiden, it’s harder and his story of why he doesn’t show it make sense and I just want to wrap him in a hug! Great book, thank you!
I knew after reading Bentley, that I wanted to know more about both Maddox and Aiden. Here in book two, it is Aiden’s turn. He’s a bit of a tortured soul of a man, one who doesn’t do emotional entanglements. He just doesn’t feel the need to put himself ‘out there’ like that. He does have some humorous moments. He can be charming and light-hearted but mostly he’s guarded and insular.
Cami is the complete opposite. She’s light to his dark, and she wants to make Aiden her man. Aiden explains how he handles relationships and despite her agreeing to his rules, it’s obvious she wants more. She wants the whole man, not just the physical side of him.
Aiden has quite a journey ahead of his to become the man she sees beneath his gruff, grumbly, grouchy exterior.Learning to trust and to open himself to being hurt by another person is almost a traumatic event for him. This is a man with hidden layers, ones he doesn’t want exposed to anyone’s eyes because he feels unworthy of love and acceptance.
Can Cami break through all his walls and release the wounded hero inside?
Will Aiden find it in himself to face his past and put all his demons behind him?
Find out when you One-Click this great story today.
Aiden is such an awesome story. It combines sweet romance, emotional storyline, friendships in so many forms, plus an added bonus of a little danger and mystery.
“She ties me up in knots. She makes me want things I can’t have. To be something I can never be.”
There was difficult but very different childhood for each of the main characters.
Aiden tries running away from his feelings a bit, but Cami is just too awesome to run from! And Aiden doesn’t try to run too fast!! I completely fell in love with Cami from the start. She is such a beautiful character, so loving and caring!
“The look on his face when I said the word love to him . . . he was incredulous, incapable of believing himself worthy of being loved. Unable to comprehend that he could love someone.”
These three guys, Bentley, Aiden and Maddox, together have a great connection, it really comes through in these stories. Each book focuses on one of the men, but continues the story of their friendship throughout.
-5 Stars!-
-Diane-
Aiden is the VP of BAM, a company which he formed with his brothers of the heart Bentley and Maddox. He is damaged by this past and only allows Bentley and Maddox close. He makes it clear to any woman that he is involved with that it will only ever be physical and not to expect anything more and up until he met Cami he stuck to that rule.
Cami is studying fashion design and her past has been difficult as well. She is a wonderful sister, a great friend and from the moment she met Aiden she felt something unlike anything else she had ever felt.
Although he is quite clear that on his part it is a physical only relationship she sees beneath the walls he has built around his heart. She will prove to him that he is worthy of being loved and is willing to be patient, but will he ever be willing to open up his heart or is she destined to walk away with a broken heart?
I enjoyed both these characters as Aiden is tortured by feeling that he is not enough and will only hurt Cami and while Cami may appear that she is weak for putting up with what she did from Aiden it really shows her strength of knowing what she wants and being willing to go after it. I anxiously await Maddox’s story.
I love this series!
In this book we get Aiden and Cami’s story. Aiden is the good time protector of the group but inside he is hiding a world of hurt. He never lets anyone get too close besides Bentley and Maddox and even then he is cautious. Cami bursts into his life, his mind and his heart. He has to decide if he is willing to finally fall in love.
Cami is fantastic. My heart broke a little each time Aiden pulled back but she kept rallying.
This is such a great series. I can’t wait for Maddox and Dee’s story!!
I absolutely love a tortured hero like Aiden. He had a terrible start to life but has found the family he never had in his friends and business partners, Bentley and Maddox. I love their banter, but mostly their unconditional support. It was in the first book when Aiden was helping Bentley that he met Cami. She understood his demons like no other and he felt a peace around her that he needed. I loved how strong, loyal, and independent Cami was. She loved her friends and family fiercely, and wanted to include Aiden in her heart as well. But Aiden couldn’t open himself up to her completely. When Cami’s life is threatened, will it be too late for Aiden to realize he already did? I loved this storyline, it was creepy, suspenseful, and exhilarating. I also loved seeing more about these friends and their dynamic. They made me laugh, cry, and swoon! We also were teased with more of Maddox and Dee’s relationship and I am so excited to learn more. Don’t miss this fun, breathtaking, and sexy series!
Aidan and Cami captured my heart from the beginning in this steamy romance from one of my favorite writers, Melanie Moreland. Coming from troubled paths, they both have so much to overcome. Will they find the happiness and peace they deserve?
The story is fast paced and kept me flipping through the pages. I liked Cami’s personality; she seemed like everyone’s bff–down to earth and realistic. Meanwhile, Aidan is trying to keep his true self hidden from everyone, especially Cami.
The second book in Melanie’s Vested Interest series, Aidan did not disappoint!
This series is one of my favourites and Cami and Aiden is memorable characters.
This is what I liked:
* Great storyline that takes a hold of me from the first chapter.
* The characters is well described with a lot of feelings, even though I got a hint of Aiden’s childhood I ended up bawling when he told the story in the end.
* Love scenes that’s intense, sweet and very well written.
* The secondary characters is well known to me from the first book and it’s nice to follow them in their interactions with each other.
* No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings and good dialogues that doesn’t seem stilted but makes the story flow easy. That’s one of the things I love the most about this story.
If you want a well written romance that flows so easily you can’t put it down I recommend this 5 star read.
Aiden Callaghan is a gorgeous, single, wealthy guy living in Toronto. He runs a successful company called BAM with his two best friends Bentley & Maddox. He’s the VP as well as the head of security. He’s respected & admired by many, but doesn’t see himself as others do. He was raised in an awful environment where he was made to feel insignificant, and now has issues with trust and showing emotion. He doesn’t like to talk about his past. It was a painful time in his life that he wishes he could forget. He lives in a nice loft, has plenty of money, & two best friends who he considers family. The one thing he doesn’t have is love. Love & relationships just weren’t for him. He was always honest with women & made it clear he could only offer a physical connection.
Cami Wilson is a beautiful, free spirited 25 yr. old woman who is taking classes in fashion design, and living with her sister Dee. She has great friends & is known to go after what she wants. She recently decided she has to have the sexy, tattooed Aiden Callaghan. She is persistent until she gets her way. He lays out all his rules from the beginning, and she agrees to follow them. They work because she doesn’t have any expectations, and is patient with him. She never asks for more than he can give and they really enjoy spending time together. They have amazing chemistry and over time Cami starts to see through the facade Aiden shows the rest of the world. On the outside he’s this strong, confident man, but on the inside she knew there was more to him. A hidden pain & damaged soul she could see in his eyes.
Aiden didn’t want to start something with Cami that didn’t have a chance of going anywhere. She’s become the sunshine in his life, but he felt she deserved better than he could give her. He can’t love her the way she should be loved. He wished he could give her more, but it wasn’t how he was built. The problem was she’d ruined everything and fallen in love with him. He’d tried to keep her at arms length, but she made him feel too much. He craved her affection and her touch, but he was afraid to try. Something had definitely shifted between them. He’d never felt this way & it terrified him. He has to decide will he shut down and reject Cami, or take a chance on love and let her into his heart & life.
This was book 2 in the Vested Interest series that is about three men that meet at university & become best friends and business partners. Each one is unique and absolutely delicious and swoony. I really enjoyed Bentley & Aidens books and can’t wait for Maddox up next!
***4.5 ‘Sunshine’ Stars***
After finishing Bentley I wanted more of these characters, it didn’t matter who or what combo, just more because I loved them all, separately and together. So it’s no surprise that I jumped at getting my hands on Aiden and Cami’s book and I loved it. It was funny, smexy, frustrating and heartwarming with a good amount of humor as well as a good dose of suspense tossed into the mix to make things interesting.
Aiden. Aiden. Aiden…this man. Such a huge heart, but one that is so battered by his past that it’s made him not only blind that what’s in front of him, but taking on more responsibility that he needs to. I loved Aiden. I wanted to hug him so badly, but boy the urge to hammer some sense into him was just as strong. Cami is sweet, sassy, has a huge heart and due to her past, which definitely all wine and roses, has a quiet maturity about her that made it easy to like her.
Cami and Aiden’s journey has a lot of bumps in it thanks to all the push/pull going on between them despite the raging chemistry anytime they are together. It was frustrating and yet I couldn’t truly fault either for the dance that they put themselves through. They both have scars, some run deeper than others, and they just needed that one push that would either bring them together or rip them apart. Of course that push was a little craycray, but it was the catalyst needed to get them to their HEA and I loved how it all worked out.
I pretty much devoured this book, especially the latter half. It was engaging and though some spots dragged for me, the pacing was a good one. The difference between this one and Bentley for me was the suspense aspect. In Bentley I had no clue who was the villian, but in Aiden, I got it right away and one would think that would put a damper on things, but it didn’t. It actually upped the ante when it came to the anticipation of what would happen next and when and the craycray intense feel was on point. As for the supporting cast of characters. I loved hanging out with everyone, Bentley, Emmy, Maddox, Dee, Sandy and Reid. They are all so much fun and the family vibe is real. I’m totally looking forward to getting my hands on Maddox’s book, but I wouldn’t mind if Reid got a book/HEA down the road because he definitely intrigues me.
~ Copy provided via InkSlinger PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
The highly anticipated story of Aiden that made me feel so many different emotions. The Vested Interest series includes 3 men, best friends. Bentley’ story came first, which Aiden plays a huge role in that one, so does Maddox.
This is Aiden and Cami’s time for their spotlight. Cami is going through a difficult period. She’s in love with Aiden but he says he doesn’t share her sentiments. Aiden is having some flashbacks from a traumatic past from when he was younger. Things are starting to get strange for Cami, she’s loosing things or misplaces them. Aiden is a protector, he will do anything to protect her.
Great written story that was quite intriguing and turned suspenseful. It was a slow start and easing into the storyline. But once I was in, I was all in. There is a recap from Bentley’s story and some business related topics. Once that was out of the way, the story focused on Aiden and Cami.
It was an intriguing story that sucked me right in and I had a difficult time putting it down for very long. I felt so much for these 2 emotionally flawed characters. I just adore protective man, who would go through any length to keep what they love safe. The author nailed this one spot on.
Although this is the second story in the series, I think it can be read as a standalone. I do personally like to read books in a series in order. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. Maddox and Dee’s story is coming next. It can’t come soon enough. I strongly recommend this series.
Another great book in the Vested Interest Series. I have to say I loved Aiden’s story so much more than Bently’s. Aiden has dealt with some painful issues in life and his scars run deep. Cami is a ray of sunshine, so full of spirit and love, but not without her own painful past. The two of them together is explosive, until it’s shut down by Aiden over and over. When Cami’s life is turned upside down and she winds up in danger, it may just be the push Aiden needs to express himself and heal.
This book was exciting and well thought out. A thrilling ride full of suspense, wounded souls and love. The story flowed flawlessly and the characters are continually developing throughout all the books. Each member of BAM has his unique set of issues and each woman there to heal is special. These alpha males have it all. Hot sexy prowess with a wealthy attitude. 😉 I love the tight bond of friendship these men have and how it makes them a family. They have each others backs and love each other unconditionally.
Aiden’s story touched my soul deep down. He has so much compassion and has been hurt so much that my soul ached for him. He deserves to be loved, yet he can’t allow it. His soul is so tortured it is heartbreaking. Cami is his light at the end of a very long tunnel in life.
I am enjoying this series immensely and I think you will too. If you have not read Bent’s story do so. Even though this can be read as a stand alone, it makes it all the better to meet the characters from the start. Then you will truly understand what makes each one tick. Can’t wait to read Maddox’s story. He seems like he is hiding something big. 😉
*ARC Melanie Moreland
Book 2 in the Vested Interest series and the BAM boys, I was really looking forward to this one after reading Book 1 Bentley where we got to meet all 3 BAM boys (Bentley, Aiden & Maddox) but which featured mainly on Bentley. Aiden had me intrigued from Book 1, he seemed to play the bodyguard role and right hand man for Bentley, but there seemed something about him that was troubled and broken, and I couldn’t wait to find out more about him!!
At the start of the book you get an insight into Aiden’s childhood, showing why he is the way he is today and how he sees himself and how he acts.
Aiden is most definitely Alpha through and through, hot, sexy, possessive, protective whilst being broken and damaged from his childhood, relationships are a no go for him, but he just can’t stay away from Cami. He finds himself opening up a little to her before realising what he’s done and slamming those walls right back up again, hurting himself and Cami in the process. At times I felt like I could’ve easily throttled him for his behaviour – always the sign of a good book and character when they get to you like that!!
Cami herself hasn’t had the best of childhoods, with her sister Dee being more like a mother. She is open and honest, caring and kind, loyal and so very patient with Aiden. She feels drawn to Aiden like no other, and wants nothing more than to help fix him, but he has to want that from her too!!
A great story line that really caught my attention, full of romance, hot sexiness, angst, suspense and drama that really had me turning those pages!! I loved Aiden and his brokenness and his battle to overcome his darkness by letting Cami be his light. I can’t wait for book 3 and to meet Maddox now.
Highly recommended reading this series!
4.5 stars
Aiden is the 2nd book in this series and shows us another side to this man! A man that has a part of his past that has most definitely defined who he is today.
To be quite honest I really wanted to give him a big hug. His friends Bentley and Maddox are his ‘brothers’ as well as business partners and they have each others backs!
The banter in this book is great! The friendships wonderful and there is also an element of suspense too!
I loved how Aiden became with Cami and I admired the way they interacted with each other despite the past and other things that occur! I loved Cami and her friendship with Emmy is really great, I also loved how Cami and her sister were!
A really enjoyable read!
I’m a complete mess after finishing this book. I wanted so much to reach into the story and hold Aiden closed and tell him over and over again how much he is loved. I also wanted to smack him for being frustratingly guarded with Cami. I so hurt for her when he closed her out. I fell in love with all the characters in Bentley and Emmy’s story but I just didn’t realized how much more I would fall in love with them in this book. I can’t wait to see what is next with Maddox and Dee.
Aiden and Cami
I was waiting to read Aiden’s story so bad, and when I started the book I couldn’t stop.
My heart hurt for both Aiden and Cami; Cami trying to understand where Aiden came from and Aiden trying not to hurt a girl like Cami. But when life happens and it tries to take Cami away from him, he needs to figure out if he can take the risk to fall and live his life or just let it pass.
Beside Aiden and Cami’s story I loved reading about all the gag and not just romance about them but friendship and the meaning of real family. These guys are super protective and would do anything to make sure they all are safe.
This was everything (and more) that I expected from this story! I seriously loved this book and I am so in love with the BAM guys!
This is the second book in the vested interest series. I was so excited to visit the BAM boys again! On the outside Aiden has it all together, but he faces inner demons that prevent him from fully living. Cami is everything he wants but won’t let himself have. He pushes her away time and time again. Aiden isn’t the only one who has taken an interest in Cami either. The unwanted attention from an unknown person, is turning camis life upside down. Will Aiden be able to save her? Will Aiden work through his past so Cami can be his future? I absolutely love this book and series! I can’t wait for the next book.
I absolutely enjoy the friendship and brotherhood between Bentley, Aiden and Maddox, and the friendship and sisterhood between Emmy, Cami and Dee. This author does not disappoint with this book and I enjoyed it a lot. I definitely look forward to reading the next book in this series. This book had the right amount of romance and suspense, and the chemistry and steam between Aiden and Cami was undeniable. Aiden might have fought a hard fight against falling in love, but when it came to his actions they said the words he wouldn’t, and it spoke volumes. There were some parts of the story that I predicted but I wasn’t ready for that ending. It was sweet and yet I felt a little bad for Dee. However, I was left wanting more, more of BAM and their girls and I can’t wait to see what happens with Mad Dog Maddox and Dee. This is a great series that has great characters, friendships, finding love, facing fears and taking that leap that is worth everything.