I hit on her first. Realized she was my best friend Finn’s little sister second. And got a bloody nose third — compliments of Finn after he watched me nearly score with the new underclassman. After all I did have a reputation on campus, word on the street was that a girl could orgasm within one minute just watching me eat Lucky Charms. You can’t make this stuff up — even though it was at least … — even though it was at least four minutes and included outside circumstances. Ahem, I digress.
Point is, not only did I earn the attention of the worst sort of girl for me — my best friend’s only sibling — but now she’s out to seduce me.
Me! One of the most famous Pleasure Ponies of them all!
I can’t shower — she follows me to the bathroom. Literally.
I can’t sleep — Lucky me, she lives in the same dorm.
And I can’t focus on anything except for her taunting eyes every single time something goes her way.
I want her, but I don’t want her to know I want her, and I definitely don’t want to die before graduation, which is looking more and more likely considering we can’t keep our hands off each other.
Something’s gotta give, and I have an inkling I should probably start writing my eulogy now because that something is probably going to be me.
more
Woohoo! Some more Wingman Inc… or Pleasure Ponies… whichever you prefer 😉
We had our first glimpse of Slater in Co-Ed. He was Shawn’s roommate. He left for a little bit but is now back working for Wingman Inc., his last year at College. Finn’s (Slater’s roommate and fellow pleasure pony) sister, Tatum is transferring colleges and will be living with them.
Without knowing who Tatum is, Slater is immediately drawn to her and then just as quickly warned away from her by Finn. Best friend code and all that. But their equal attraction to each other is undeniable.
And while he doesn’t want to go behind Finn’s back he can’t seem to stay away either. So what happens? Definitely one-click to find out.
A bit of forbidden romance tied in with the classic humor found with the involvement of Wingmen inc. This next book in the Bro Code series will not disappoint in bringing all the fun and steamy scenes you are always hoping for. Slater and Tatum have clear chemistry right at the start. Finn of course has a different perspective of his sister Tatum. Getting the chance to read the thoughts going on Slater’s head has some of my favorite parts. Not to mention the constant double meaning conversations, and the things people overhear.
Rachel Van Dyken sure knows how to tie in serious, silly, sad and sexy.
I read this book so fast because I could not put it down and cannot wait to read the next one.
I received a pre released copy of this book.
Another amazing read by Rachel Van Dyken!
I loved this quick and easy read, part of the Bro Code collection. I could read about the pleasure Ponies all day! I literally sat and read this in one sitting.
This is Slater and Tatum’s romance and I’ll admit that in previous books Slater was probably my least favourite. But now I’ve read his book and got to know him, I love him.
A best friends sister/brothers best friend romance, with all the feels, sizzling chemistry and some hilarious moments.
My only issue was, I needed more. I can never get enough of Rachel Van Dyken’s writing.
I am loving the Bro Code standalone series with the remaining pleasure ponies and Slater’s story may just be my favorite yet! Though there is one more left! Avoiding Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken is a brother’s best friend romance. Slater is taken by Tatum when he sees her, but when she turns out to be Finn’s little sister.
He tries to stay away, but their chemistry is undeniable and the sparks fly off the pages whenever they are in the same room. I loved Slater. He may be sexy and charming, but he is also very caring. Tatum is looking for a new start after leaving her previous college and she is right where she needs to be. She just needs Slater to realize it as well. I loved Avoiding Temptation and highly recommend it!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
There’s nothing like finding the woman of your dreams, only to find she is the one person you can’t have. This is exactly what happens to Slater when he meets Tatum. Dating your best friend’s younger sister, definitely goes against the bro code. And Slater is nothing if not honorable.
Rachel Van Dyken completely captivated me in this story. I completed in on one day and had to find out what would happen next. I absolutely loved the world she created in her Bro Code series. Even though each book can be read as a stand alone, I love how Rachel intricately weaves multiple story lines and characters from several series she writes. My day was completely made when there were cameos/crossovers made. It brought me back to the very first book I ever read by Rachel and my heart just soared.
I would highly recommend reading this book, not to mention the entire series!
Loved Slater’s story!!
I liked Leo’s story, but I absolutely loved Slater’s!! Seeing him fall for Finn’s sister was awesome. This can read as a standalone, but I think it’s more enjoyable if you’ve read the previous story. I haven’t read the first Bro Code story, but glad it’s already on my TBR.
These are fun, quick reads, but with underlying serious themes. The angst of high school and the scars it leaves…let’s just say that Slater has grown since then. Tatum is a spitfire, but with a vulnerable side. Slater isn’t always careful with his words, but Tatum doesn’t back down easily either.
We see a romantic side to Slater that will make you swoon!! “There really isn’t any comparison, a beautiful woman standing in the moonlight…” And Tatum “…kiss me, not because you can’t help it, but because you genuinely want to.” I just loved these two together.
You know things won’t be smooth since Finn did already make his feelings very clear about these two getting together. And certain favorite characters make an appearance in this one as well. I just love, loved, LOVED this story!! I can’t wait to see Finn fall next!!
You may not look at Mexican food the same way again. 😉
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
Oh boy, Slater’s patience and self-control are being tested when Tatum, Finn’s sister, ends up their suite mate due to a room shortage. Tatum is pulling out all the stops to entice Slater. See, she has a secret and Slater knows more about her personal life than he realizes. Of course, Finn has declared his sister off-limits. What is a best friend to do when all roads keep pointing to Tatum as “the one” for him? Tatum is working to rebuild her confidence after her last boyfriend slandered her reputation. Transferring schools was the best choice to leave behind all the rumors and pain, getting to be around Slater is a bonus. But how does she convince him to risk his friendship with Finn and take a chance on her? It was so much fun to experience Slater’s struggles and Tatum’s fabulous methods to push all his buttons. I voluntarily read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
Overall Grade:
“‘Family…’ She put her finger under my chin. ‘…is what you make it. Blood or no blood, you choose who you surround yourself with — now take a look around you, my dear — you’re surrounded by love.’”
Now, you’re probably thinking, Professor Romance, why are you pointing us to this quote when this is a romance, and this quote isn’t steamy, $exy, or romantic? Well, if you’ve read any of my reviews before, you’ll realize that I look for the deeper messages inherent to romance. Yes, I can tell you all the great romantic qualities of Rachel Van Dyken’s Avoiding Temptation:
*Slater, as the hero, is an interesting combination of gorgeous, arousing, compassionate, and quirky. Of Knox, Leo, and Slater, I think he’s the most relatable. He will still steal your breath (or at least the breaths of the women in the story), but he has all of these great Slater-isms. My personal favorite is his issues with hair. I swear, when Van Dyken has Slater tell us his personal struggle with hair in the shower or sink, I died a little simply because I too have the same quirk. It was as though Van Dyken placed a little bit of me in her character. There is a reason he is the “best friend” of the Pleasure Ponies. He has the ability to empathize with the people who need it. In Avoiding Temptation, this person is Tatum, Finn’s little sister. When he is being true to himself, you will adore him as a hero.
*Tatum is a heroine whom you can’t help but fall in love with. As Slater tells us, she’s brave and independent. But she is also a survivor. While we don’t get all of the specific details of her journey, Van Dyken provides enough of it that, once you move beyond her initial insistence to seduce Slater, you will admire her journey. She is also funny, and she antagonizes Finn and Slater in ways that provide some comic relief within the story.
*For Tatum and Slater, this is a slow-burn romance. Yes, they “fool around;” however, it takes most of the story for them to finally consummate their relationship. When this moment finally comes, to be honest, it’s a bit anti-climactic. I think the story is best when these two are struggling with their attraction for each other. That is one of the best parts of this romance.
As you can see, this story has many of the qualities you love in a good romance. However, there are two other aspects of it that draw you in more deeply, that make it a Rachel Van Dyken original.
*For one, the relationship between the Wingmen Inc. guys is probably the best part. We get a little bit of Leo in this one, and he torments Slater in all the ways that make the Pleasure Ponies a Van Dyken favorite. Even more, Finn and Slater’s relationship is special. Over the course of Seducing Mrs. Robinson and Avoiding Temptation, these two seem like the most obvious friend pair. They rib each other mercilessly, but they love each other more. There is a particular scene with these two that will make you laugh out loud. Everything you love about the Pleasure Ponies is here in Avoiding Temptation.
*The overall message is bigger than the romance or the relationships between the guys. In this book, Van Dyken shows us the power of the people in our lives. Finn and Tatum have horrible parents, but they have people in their lives who love them as a family should. Whether it’s Slater helping Tatum heal from her trauma, or Finn and Tatum’s extended family stepping up to love them when their parents are emotional vampires, Van Dyken is suggesting that we can make our own family, finding love in other places. That the people who have our best interests in mind don’t have to be blood-related, but family can be fulfilled from other places. It’s this message that adds depth and breadth to a story that Van Dyken wrote for her fans. She could have easily kept it simple, giving us exactly what we love about the Wingmen Inc. guys. Instead, she developed significance in Avoiding Temptation that challenges our own thinking about families.
Rachel Van Dyken’s Avoiding Temptation has everything you love about her romantic comedies. Slater’s characterization will make you laugh out loud and sigh with contentment. Tatum’s ability to “give as good as she gets” will show you the power of women to challenge men. The fun storyline of “denying your attraction to your best friend’s younger sister” coupled with the depth of understanding about the construction of family adds a layer that shows us Van Dyken’s range. If you’ve read any of the books on her booklist, you know her brilliance lies in her ability to take a story with some humor and wrap it in a message that connects with her readers. If you’re a fan of the Pleasure Ponies with Wingmen Inc., Avoiding Temptation should be an easy one-click choice.
Avoiding Temptation is everything you want in a romance! Slater, one of Wingmans “pleasure ponies”, gets caught up with Finn’s sister and now must avoid temptation and leave her alone. Slater and Tatum’s story is electric and fun and definite must read!
Avoiding Temptation is a brother’s best friend romance packed full of explosive chemistry, swoon worthy moments and a few emotional ones.
Tatum and Slater had INSTANT chemistry and it only grew from there. I loved their first interaction and Finn’s reaction to catching them. The banter, the chemistry, everything about these two was great from the start. I fell in love with both these characters.
Slater has a side to him I didn’t even know. He has experienced loss, pain and heartache. He is so caring and when it comes to Tatum it really shows. He also has a protective side. Of course, he knows he shouldn’t be with her, he shouldn’t go after her, but these two are drawn together like moths to a flame. Tatum, that girl. I LOVE her. She hasn’t had the best relationships and it lead to some pretty horrible things, even her family life isn’t the best, minus her relationship with Finn. But she finds her confidence, she goes after what she wants. Can’t help be applaud the girl.
There is a little bit of Leo and Kora in this one, which I LOVED. Plus, plenty of Finn. I loved the friendship between Finn and Deacon. There are a few times throughout this book that showed just how strong their bond is with each other.
Avoiding Temptation is another fantastic addition to the Bro Code Series and I can’t wait to see what is in store for Finn.
A fun, steamy, and quick read! I loved the chemistry between the characters as well as the hilarious situations Slater finds himself in. Although this is fun and quick, it does have hints of depth to it. Definitely another great one from Van Dyken that will have you quoting it during family dinner (although maybe the quotes aren’t that appropriate. 😉 )
Slater has found himself in quite the predicament… he has met his match, the woman of his dreams, and can’t have her. She is forbidden on so many levels! As a member of the team at Wingman Inc. he signed an agreement that he would not date or become involved with anyone. It’s a company that helps women find their happy again after heartbreak, and Slater is quite good at what he does…the women on campus that he has helped sing his praises all the time.
But there is one woman in particular that wants to be able to attest to his skills on a more personal level… his roommates little sister Tatum. She has switched schools just to be closer to him and has made her intentions clear, but letting her act on them could bring a whole host of complications to Slater’s life. He admits they have some serious chemistry, but he isn’t so sure he wants to lose his friend and job over a little fling!
Avoiding Temptation is an intoxicating little tale that will have you hooked from the very first page! Watching Slater try to resist Tatum, and stay under her brother’s radar was quite entertaining… it was a very sexy game of cat and mouse! I really enjoyed this newest installment to the Bro Code series, Slater and Tatum brought life to the pages, and put on a very exciting little show. Highly recommend this one, it’s good on the heart and certain to leave you harboring a serious book boyfriend crush!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
What a fantastic quick entertaining read, Avoiding Temptation is one of those books you pick up, you can’t put don’t and you don’t want it to end !!!
This is the third book in the Bro Code Series, each can be read as stand-alone’s but I’m sure once you pick one up you will want to read the rest of the series centred around the guys who form Wingmen and this is Slater and Tatum’s story. This is a book with all the feels and it certainly ticked all my boxes, I laughed a lot from the witty banter, I swooned a lot for Slater the man we would all love to have and I needed to keep my fan handy to cool me down from the scorching hot chemistry.
Slater is a man you can’t help falling head over heels for, he is charming, knows what he wants and is not afraid to go after it and once you add in his funny sometimes dry sense of humour you get the perfect book boyfriend. All that’s really left for me to say is you need to one click this hot, emotional, entertaining read. Looking forward to Finn’s story.
3.75 stars—AVOIDING TEMPTATION is the third instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult BRO CODE erotic, romance series focusing on four friends known as the Pleasure Ponies who work for Wingman Inc: Knox, Finn, Leo, and Slater. This is Slater and Tatum’s story line. AVOIDING TEMPTATION can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary. The Bro Code is a spin off from the author’s Wingman, Inc series.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Slater and Tatum) AVOIDING TEMPTATION follows the best friends’s little sister relationship between Finn’s sister and sophomore Tatum, and Pleasure Pony Slater. Tatum has transferred schools following the fall-out of a relationship that spiralled out of control. Hoping to start anew, Tatum recognized her brother’s best friend Slater, and proceeded to try and seduce our story line hero but all does not go according to plan when Finn walks in on Slater and Tatum, threatening Slater within inches of his life. When Finn and Tatum’s family life begins to split and fall apart, Finn heads home, leaving Tatum and Slater to dance around the palpable sexual attraction between one another. What ensues is the quick building romance and relationship between Tatum and Slater, and the potential fall-out when Finn calls foul on the unwritten bro-code between best friends and brothers.
The relationship between Slater and Tatum is one of immediate attraction but Slater is unaware of Tatum’s connection to his best friend Finn. It quickly becomes apparent that Tatum will become a permanent fixture in the best friend’s residence, a position that places Tatum and Finn within feet of one another. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is plenty of back and forth texting between our story line couple, texting of which Slater is completely unaware.
We are reintroduced to Pleasure Ponies Finn, and Leo Blackwood, as well as Leo’s fiancée Kora Robinson, and Finn and Tatum’s colorful and eccentric ninety two year old Aunt Nadine.
AVOIDING TEMPTATION is a fun and flirty story line with a little bit of drama and conflict. The premise is captivating and engaging; the romance is sweet and seductive; the characters are energetic and charismatic. I am looking forward to Finn’s story.
Avoiding Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken is the very definition of good time in romance. Slater and Tatum’s unique chemistry made me laugh till my stomach hurt and also raised the heat quite a few notches. It was a superbly written sweet, sexy, funny and a bit of forbidden brother’s best friend story.
Tatum is off limits to Slater. One: she is his partner aka best friend aka fellow Pleasure Pony Finn’s sister. Second: he has a troubled past regarding his own sister. Third: Tatum is hiding a big secret from him that would make him push away completely. But Tatum is determined to break down his resolve because she owes a lot of her present happiness to this guy. Why? How? You need to join this hilarious, slow burn and steamy chase to know more.
This story is a light hearted take on brother’s best friend. Rather than making it angsty and suffering, Rachel Van Dyken gave the familiar trope a witty twist. I loved Tatum. Her past relationship was bitter and destroyed her. But she got herself back and I mentally clapped slowly how she went all out for what she wants. It was so funny and crazy to see this sassy, sweet, fiery and mischievous girl making Slater uncomfortable. The Slater who can make girls drop panties with a smile. His calm, cool and confident swagger got a major hit by Tatum. I thouroughly enjoyed his uncomfortable encounters with Tatum as he tried to hide and control his burning attraction to her. Or how they tried to hide from Finn. They resisted till the end but damn the explosion was worth all the waiting.
Avoiding Temptation by Rachel Van Dyken was an unputdownable sexy, witty and emotional read. You can definitely expect a party of fun, sin and love!
Received ARC for Honest review
Avoiding Temptation was everything! I love Slater so much.
This book is a Bro Code Novel, part of Wingman Inc series, but it can be read as a standalone. Slater is my favorite. We first met him in Co-Ed when he was mistakenly paied with a female roommate. We learned during that novel how awful some people can be when Slater told the story about his sister killing herself. It’s been awhile since I read Co-ed so I’d forgotten what happened. We learn more about how awful High School was for Slater, and how he was a victim of bullying. Thankfully his mom stopped him from something tragic and he bounced back.
Enter Tatum. She’s a transfer from another college, a stranger to Slater, and just happens to be his best friend’s sister. They meet at a party & make out until Slater gets a cold dose of reality from Finn. Tatum seems to be a confident woman who knows what she wants, but there’s things that led to the school transfer that even her brother doesn’t know.
The magnetism between Tatum and Slater is undeniable. How do you avoid temptation when it happens to be your new roommate??
I love how Rachel Van Dyken isn’t afraid to write about social issues involving suicide prevention, bullying, and physical/sexual abuse. She does so in a way that brings awareness and hopefully hope to those who might be going through something similar. Thank you for another great book!
And then there were two….Pleasure Ponies left at the college. Finn and Slater.
In this stand alone book, Finn’s sister, Tatum, transfers to the school, moves into thier dorm suite and deciedes that Slater is going to be her choice of entertainment.
This book is, in many ways, a lot lighter and funnier than the previous books in the series. The antics that go on in in this book, had me laughing out loud (I was glad no one was home to see me). The chemistry is off the charts!
There are parts that are serious and are addressed in a manner that does not tear your heart out.
Slater is the kind of guy, I wish I had as a friend in college. Tatum might make me head for the hills!
I read an advanced copy for an homest review.
Avoiding Temptation is a definite must read. It is the third book in the Bro Code series written by Rachel Van Dyken and I have to admit it’s my favourite to date.
Slater is one of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’ that help and comfort ladies who are in need of some support whilst studying at the college they all attend. The rule is that they must not enter into any type of relationship with the ladies accessing their services and as you can imagine, dating a sister is a definite no go also.
I adore Slater. In my opinion he’s the most sensitive and caring of the Pleasure Ponies, and to top his fabulous personality he appears to be the full package due to his looks and great physique too. I think Tatum is a fabulous young lady. She is Finn’s sister and transfers to the guy’s college after some bad experiences at her former place of study.
The chemistry between Slater and Tatum is off the charts and I loved the situations that they often found themselves in. I loved the banter and chat among all the characters in the book. There were many ‘laugh out loud’ moments that awarded me some strange looks from those around me as I read.
I can recommend this book for you to read without a second thought. I am now left waiting impatiently for the next book to be released which is titled The Setup, but thankfully is coming very soon!
I just love Slater and I am so glad he got his story. He may be afraid of hair and love moisturizer but he is a good guy too! Now that Leo is off living his life with Kora, that leaves only him and Finn to hold down the campus Wingman services. But Slater is beginning to think that he also wants to settle down. He just didn’t realize he would fall for his best friends sister. Slater did everything to try to stay away from Tatum; but she didn’t make it easy. Tatum is a new transfer and shares the suite with her brother, Finn and Slater. So staying away from one another was nearly impossible! Especially, since they had such strong chemistry when they were in the same room.
This book is in the bro code series but can be read as a stand alone. But I like the fact that I’ve read Seducing Mrs. Robinson first. It gave me a little more background into the guys life. But it certainly is not necessary.
If your looking for some laughter (spooning turns into forking)…ha! And has lots of chemistry, than this is the book for you! There are also some family members in this book that you don’t want to miss reading about (again)! Rachel, you wrote another amazing book! I can’t wait for Finn’s story!
Avoiding Temptation definitely lives up to its title!!!! And then some!
The sizzling chemistry between the characters was off the charts and the banter was so flipping good, I found myself laughing ALOT!!!!
This story was intriguing, steamy, emotional but also had some really beautiful words that really struck a chord with me.
Slater is the ultimate book boyfriend. He’s incredibly charming, goes after what he wants and has a wicked sense of humour. He does struggle with self control especially when it comes to his new roommate!!!
This book was an absolute pleasure to read and I’m extremely excited for Finn’s story!!!