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 fight their feelings and walk away? Or will they each succumb and learn the sweet agony of love? BentleyThe leader of the group. He is uptight, formal, and cold. Rigid … is uptight, formal, and cold. Rigid and set in his ways, always following the same path. Until the day, he stumbles upon her.
Emmy.
She brings with her spontaneity and light. The world she lives in is so different from his, yet he cannot control the draw to her. Nor can he explain the way she makes him feel.
Happy.
Protective.
Loved.
more
What a great read!!
In this first book of the new series Vested Interest by Melanie Moreland, we are introduced to handsome Bentley. Bentley is a creature of habit. He is an introvert of sorts. His character is described as cold and calculating. But he is a successful business man with his two best friends as his partners. Bentley’s business is in real estate and he is on top of his game. But someone has been outbidding him on some property and that is interfering with his plans on his latest project.
One day Bent goes our for coffee tripping over a rucksack and meeting the most amazing and beautiful Emmy. She is smart, funny and a spitfire, and Bentley wants to know more. He has never felt the need to get to know someone like this before. He finds his self looking to find ways to bump into her. She is different.
As he develops his relationship with her, his business and his life are placed in jeopardy. When things get dicey and Emmy is put into danger, Bentley must keep his cool or risk the only person he has ever truly let in.
This story was amazing and had me guessing till the end. Granted my who done guess was spot on. Melanie put in enough clues along the way, that is was easy to figure it out. She has a wonderful story line that holds your attention. Thrills and chills with a dose of hot steamy alpha male.
I really enjoyed the characters. The were all wonderful and Melanie really started building her world and characters nicely in this book. She even gives you bits and pieces into each of the characters and you can imagine how things will continue into the next books, leaving her readers with the want to continue the journey with her.
I suggest you pick up your copy today and enjoy this book, you won’t regret it. Especially those hot steamy scenes. They will curl those toes and make you beg for more. Oh Bentley!!!!
*ARC provided by Melanie Moreland
his story made me fall in love with romance genre all over again. It’s something about a well crafted story that complete immerses and surprises you with every turn. And Ms. Moreland delivers again with humor, tension and heart gasps – you know those swoon moments with every chapter.
This story begins as you would expect. Bentley is driven. In his drive, you see a man who sees the world as his oyster and is willing to make a pearl from hard work. He’s focused. Then Emmy steps in and he can’t avoid the gravitational pull she has on him.
“What happened to me being an ass?”
“Oh, I still think you are, but you have a great smile when you relax. So, let’s try this again.” She raised her hand higher. “Hi, stranger, sitting at my table. I’m Emmy.”
She is sassy and smart. She is goodness and light to his world. She isn’t part of his plan. But damn if he doesn’t feel compelled to make her a place there. Their love story is one that you want – no need – them to have a HEA.
But it’s not just the primary characters that draw you into the story. Once again, Ms Moreland has interesting and delightful secondary characters you wish to know more about. Their presence isn’t just to add color to the emotional love story but breathes into each plot turn with necessity. Emmy, Cami and Dee have a girlfriend bond that’s all things you want good in your tribe. Whereas the men of BAM – Bentley, Aiden and Maddox – seriously. This bromance is panty melting, ovary combusting stuff. Melanie Moreland’s shining talent is in her male characters and she delivers what her readers expect and more.
Bentley can be definitely read as a standalone. However, I dare the reader who reads book 1 and isn’t the least bit interested in the next two. Just not possible in my eyes. If you’ve never read Ms Moreland, this is where her story telling shines and you want to gobble up all her catalog.
5 plus out of 5 stars
Bentley is the first book in the Vested Interest series. We meet all of the main characters from this series and I can already tell I love them!
Bentley is serious, stuffy, and “rigid”. A real stuffed shirt, but that was how he was raised and doesn’t really know how to be any other way.
When he trips over Emmy, in a coffee shop he is drawn to her easy, outgoing ways. But Emmy’s light exterior hides her vulnerable side.
“We could build a great life together, baby. No one gets me the way you do. I need your loving, forgiving heart in my life. I need you. And I think, if you let yourself feel it, you need me, too.”
“I’m scared.”
“I know. I am, too. I never thought I could love someone like I love you. I do, and I want you to know it.”
I truly swooned for Bentley and his protective nature. He sees his own faults and works to make himself a better man. And Emmy is such a sweet heroine, so resilient and strong. I got such a book hangover from this story. I just need more Vested Interest to cure me!!
What a great 5 star story that kept me highly captivated all throughout the reading of this story.
Bentley is a rich, uptight and according to Emmy “Rigid” man. Emmy works hard for what she has accomplished. She is not so easily swooned by him. Their romance is straight forward with ups and downs. But someone is out to hurt Bentley and Emmy is going to be stuck in the crossfire that could possibly put her life in danger.
This was so much more than a romantic novel, it was full of suspense. Which kept me addicted to this wonderfully written story. It was very funny when they first meet because Emmy was not so easily swayed by Bentley. She’s straight forward and tell like it is kind of woman. The bantering between these two was quite comical.
I loved the perfectly created characters. Secondary characters played an important role in the developmental the story. They made it interesting. This story is part of a 3 book series. Aiden is next. So if you want to start this series, start with Bentley.
Standalone for now told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story.
This was a great sexy read with amazing characters with a little suspense mixed in. I loved the interaction between Emmy and bentley,both were very likeable and interesting and their were some really great humorous moments between these two. THE secondary characters like Aiden and Maddox were great and I loved both dee and cami best friends like these ladies are keepers. The storyline was good and I Also liked the steady pace of this read. Can’t wait to read more about both aiden’s and Maddox’s and their developing relationships.
Read this book in one sitting….one of my new favorites!! Loved Bentley and Emmy together – So sweet and perfect for each other. Can’t wait to read Aiden and Cami’s story next.
Bentley has achieved professional success but due to a tragedy in his past the only people has allowed close to him are his best friends from college Aiden and Maddox. He knows he wants more but few people can penetrate the serious and stoic persona he presents to the world.
Emmy is a student who is as different from Bentley as you could imagine. She is a starving student who is free spirited and sarcastic and has no problem putting Bentley in his place and he doesn’t mind.
These two are perfect for each other as Emma allows Bentley to have fun and she has no interest in his money and all Bentley wants to do is protect her and make her smile. The humor and heat between the two evidences their deep connection and you know that they are meant to be. I have enjoyed the first book in the series and can’t wait for Aiden’s story.
As soon as I started Bentley I immediately got sucked in. As soon as Emmy came in I knew that she would bring out a side of Bentley that no on else had ever saw or will. He’s different with her and she is exactly who he needs in his life. Bently is not only romance, there is suspense and of course a happy ending. I cannot wait for Aiden and Maddox’s stories.
A Melanie Moreland tale is like walking into a storm. The clouds are abundant, the precipitation is rampant and the end result leaves it’s mark. Bentley is the beginning of what looks to be a bumpy ride but an ever greater payoff. Moreland is an expert at complicated men. Bentley is a prime example of that. Always in control whether business or pleasure. Yet when he has to face desires of the heart, he proves that he has staying power there as well. Emmy has the power to bring the beast out in him, but she also has the heart to heal his battered soul. In a world of darkness, Emmy lights up the canvas with her overexuberant personality. She wears her heart on her sleeve. Bentley keeps his close to the vest. Seduction just got complicated.
Thoroughly enjoyed my first Melanie Moreland novel. Can’t wait to read more!
Bentley or “Rigid” as Emmy calls him, was completely uninterested in love until Emmy knocked him on his butt! I loved the mystery and intrigue just as much as the love story! Can’t wait to read Aiden’s story!
The opposites attract trope is becoming a favorite of mine these days. Bentley and Emmy are just that. Bentley is seen as very cold, rigid and very proper while Emmy is more on the carefree, sweet and quirky side. Their first meet was not the greatest, but I thought it was actually cute. His rigidness definitely is shown here and we also see Emmy’s snarky side but you can feel the connection starting to build. I loved how Emmy brings out the softness and funny side of Bentley, he allows himself to feel all that. He is so sweet with her, talk about swoony! She also brings out the protective side of him, especially when danger lurks around them.
I also loved the relationship between Bentley, Aiden and Maddox, and Emmy with her two friends, Cami and Dee. They are all there for each other like brothers and sisters.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to continuing on in this series. And what luck when the ebook offered for free, I once again snapped it up!
This is the first book in the Vested Interest Series, a Romantic Suspense. For a better understanding of the world building, I recommend you to read the free prequel BAM (Bentley, Aiden and Maddox) before listening to this audiobook. The first book is about Bentley, the leader of BAM, and his story is delightful! OMG! I love the characters! Bentley (Rigid) and Emmy (Freddy) are opposites attract, and they perfect together. I love their banter! Bentley is uptight (rigid), handsome, gentleman, protective, and caring. Emmy (Freddy) is lovely, feisty, funny, mature, and supportive. They share an undeniable and strong chemistry! The cast of supporting characters is impressive. Aiden (Tree Trunk) is handsome, and protective. Maddox (Mad Dog) is intriguing, and secretive. Cami, Emmy’s best friend, is fun, and supportive. I liked Sandy and Andrew. The storyline is fun, sexy, and suspenseful, filled with action and twists and turns. I like the brotherhood, and the friendship in this story. The narration is fantastic! John Lane and Maxine Mitchell are perfect as Bentley and Emmy. They have a great voice, very pleasant to listen to. I HIGHLY recommend it! This is already one of my favorite series, and I HIGHLY recommend it. Melanie Moreland never disappoints. I am looking forward to listen to the second book in the Series, Aiden’s story.
Since reading “The Contract” a couple of years ago, it’s been a real joy to witness Melanie Moreland’s success in the realm of Contemporary Romance. Her stand alone books have always been enjoyable reads, so when I heard Melanie was publishing a trilogy I got a little giddy.
Bentley is the first book in the “Vested Interest” series, and what a lovely way to begin. I’ve always had a weakness for book boyfriends in suits, and Bentley Ridge is just my type. Set in the awesome city of Toronto, this new series follows three men who met at university. Long-time friends and business partners, Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox have taken their considerable talents and grown a multi-million-dollar empire from the ground up. Bentley is the leader of the trio – a natural who balances the responsibility of their corporate empire on his capable shoulders.
Bentley’s work is his life, until he detours into a coffee shop on his way to a meeting, trips over a worn rucksack, and is introduced to Emmy. Several years younger than Bentley, Emmy is a student making ends meet on a student income. She is free-spirited, artistic, snarky, charming, and kind. Bentley’s attraction for Emmy flares almost immediately, reigniting his sense of fun.
She gives Bentley homemade scones, and he reciprocates by placing his silk tie around her neck – a sweet exchange that gives him a thrill and cements Bentley as a swoon worthy book boyfriend. It is just one sampling of many wonderful moments between this most unlikely couple. The dynamic between Bentley and Emmy is sizzling and had me enthralled from beginning to end.
Bentley is the perfect first installment for Melanie’s trilogy. If you’re looking for a new and sexy world to invest in, I highly recommend the “Vested Interest” series. From what I’ve already glimpsed in the first book, Aiden and Maddox can give Bentley a run for his money, and the upcoming books telling their stories are solid and highly-anticipated additions to my TBR list this year.
A chance meeting in a coffee shop introduces Bentley Ridge to Emmy Harris. He’s rigid, stiff, almost robotic. She’s bright, alive, spontaneous. Complete opposites in every way but the attraction is undeniable. Their banter is sweet, playful, sexy. Both a little broken, they bring out the best in each other. An added bonus is the small group of friends that love and support them – Cami and Dee, Emmy’s best friends, and Aiden and Maddox. The relationship between Bentley, Aiden and Maddox is strong. Together they are funny, teasing and completely brothers. The writing is smooth and flowing with a great storyline. A romantic suspense with a twist, it’s a great start to the Vested Interest Series. Next up – Aiden.
What an amazing way to kick off a series. Melanie Moreland definitely knows how to build the suspense and bring the steam. Just like the best stories, there is so much more to Bentley and Emmy than meets the eye. And this is definitely one of the best stories. Moreland’s characters are infused with depth and individuality, making the journey of getting to know them just as intriguing as the novel’s plot. As the first novel in the BAM series, there is a lot of groundwork laid for future books, but that does not distract or detract from the relationship that develops between Bentley and Emmy. Nor does it stifle the heat between them. And there is a lot of heat in this book! The author creates a solid foundation for not only Bentley and Emmy’s relationship, but also for the next three books in the BAM series and their main characters. The interactions between and among the main and minor characters provide beautiful moments of camaraderie, friendship, and trust. All of these elements build toward a plot twist that will both shake and fortify the characters’ and the reader’s hearts and minds. This book will definitely get your pulse racing and your heart pounding, in more ways than one.
Excellent writing in this sweet story. Loved Bentley & Emmy’s characters and their group of friends. Listened to the audio and the narration was perfect. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Just finished a re-read! Below is my original review. It still stands, love this book just as much the second time round as I did the first.
I loved this book and I can’t wait to read the rest in this series! Bentley seems very controlled, in his personal life as well as his professional life, he doesn’t allow many people close to him. Other than Aiden and Maddox, he keeps his circle tight. Until he literally bumps into Emmy. She is like a breath of fresh to him and finds himself wanting to spend more time with her.
But somebody else has noticed his interest in her, somebody trying to manipulate his business decisions and they won’t think twice to use her against him.
This had me turning pages so fast!! I had an inclination as to who it was and when it was verified I was as angry as Bentley!
You need to one click this!!
Maybe 2.5
Not the best. A little immature especially for the age of the characters not very creative or imaginative. Three friends falling for three friends. Plus some poorly written drama.
Winston “Bentley” Ridge is a reserved leader. He is uptight, formal, and cold. Rigid and set in his ways, always following the same path. He and his two friends Aiden and Maddox, met in college and remained best buds opening a business called BAM. Their pasts dictate the men they turned into but a chance meeting in a cafe where Bentley ran into Emme changes all their lives for the better. It’s a true fairy tale, to be sure, one filled with some mystery and mayhem, but all’s well in the end!