The first day she was sitting by herself — I felt sorry for her. After all, it couldn’t be easy wrangling all the testosterone at Wingmen Inc as one of the only female office managers. The second day she literally counted her carrots during break — she had seven by the way, right along with seven sips of her drink in between taking seven tiny little bites of the first carrot. Now I’m not one to …
Now I’m not one to brag, or maybe I am, but math and science fascinate me, so do problems. And this woman screamed puzzle from the way she ducked her head every time anyone looked at her, to the way she counted food and tapped the table when she didn’t think anyone was watching.
I’d like to think I took pity on her that day when, in fact, she was the one that took pity on me and asked if I needed a friend. She assumed I had a learning disability since I’d been staring so damn hard.
Things would have ended there, except, my bosses need someone to test the new Wingmen App and since I was the only single guy on the floor — I was nominated, right along with the only single woman, the same one who thinks I need to use my fingers to count.
Apparently rumors of my sexcapades throughout college reached even her ears, because she wants nothing to do with me, which makes beta testing a bitch. I have thirty days to win her over and prove myself to my bosses.
One thing’s for certain, I’m going to have to buy a hell of a lot of carrots.
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The Setup is the fourth standalone in the Bro Code series, a Wingmen Inc. spin-off. I have been following these series’ from the very beginning and I have loved each and every one of the men from Wingmen Inc. They have their unique personalities but they all have made me laugh, swoon and get all hot and bothered. Finn is the last one to fall.
Oh, Finneas Titus was in trouble…
Wingmen Corporate’s newest VP was so screwed when on his very first day he was thrown into a project working along side a woman who didn’t want anything to do with him. Usually they all fell at his feet but this one ignored him while she ate carrots at her desk. Front and center as the Office Manager to him and his crazy ass friends. She must be a saint if she hasn’t quit in the last year. A beautiful and sassy saint. Yep, he was screwed for sure. Because he wanted her like he never wanted any other woman before her.
Jillian knew exactly who Finn Titus was. A rich, arrogant manwhore with asshole tendencies. Every time he would visit the corporate offices he never made eye contact with her. Never. And she heard the rumors of his time on campus. And now she had to work with him for the next thirty days to make sure the Wingmen dating app worked. She could just ignore him. Eat her carrots in peace and just show up for their double dates on Friday. The issue? He was too damn good looking. Too bad infuriating. The sexual tension could be cut with a knife. Oh and the no-dating in the office rule. She was fucked.
Omfg! The hate/lust between these two is everything. I loved their connection. Their banter. It is full of flirt, tension, heat, and humor. I definitely saw a different side to Finn in his book. He killed me dead. And Jillian, she is one smart, sassy, and funny woman who I want to be friends with. And speaking of friends, this group is friend goals! They know when to hit the right buttons and when to turn on the serious. Plus, Finn has the best aunt ever!
Quotes:
“When a woman’s beautiful, she should be told, over and over again until even she believes it.”
“Most guys don’t practice foreplay. They want the main event. I spent four years perfecting it.”
“Be a man,” I repeated.
“Be a man!” he roared and then, “Oh shit, Shawn needs me. I gotta go, something about the fridge light going out.”
This book grabbed me from page one, and I was sucked in, could barely put it down, even to go to bed! I loved Finn, and his aunt was hilarious! But not just that, it was all the characters. They all were such a fun group, snarky and seemed like in a good mood for the most part. While I thought that Finn’s friends and co-workers, the former “Pleasure Ponies” were all about getting him set up with Jillian to start with, it seemed maybe I was a bit off when they had the two of them sign up to test out the app separately. However in the end, it all came together and we found out just what their friends had planned, and how it actually did prove that their app worked. All of the double dates they went on ended spectacularly and again hilariously. The secret about Finn was a really big shock, but made when he and Jillian finally did take it all the way so much more satisfying. It was a such an easy read, flowed seamlessly without a lot of extra drama that usually will irritate me in stories. I adored this book so much that I have got to go back and read the rest of the stories in the series. And it reminded me how much I love this author and that I always wait too long before reading more of her books!
I just love how much of the rest of the characters from this series are in this book, especially my boys Lex & Ian. This one did a phenomenal job of bring everything full circle. We get to see everyone in Seattle at the corporate headquarters for Wingmen INC, everyone is in their place and where they should be, and it’s so perfect that it makes my heart happy.
Jillian & Finn, while these two did not hit me in the feels as much as the last two did, I still really enjoyed them. The way they banter back and forth, and can just give it as good as they get it, it’s so fun to watch that. I love how right they were for each other, even if everyone knew it before they did.
I’m really going to miss this series, but Rachel wrapped everything up perfectly for me. I don’t like it when series are dragged out past their expiration date. So, as much as this pains me, I’m content to see it end.
I love the Wingman Inc series!
Finn is the last man standing… that’s single anyways.
Wingman Inc is ready to launch their newest dating app. But with a few “issues” they enlist Finn and fellow co-worker Jillian to use the app and work out the issues.
The more they work together, the closer they become. But the app seems to keep setting them up on “bad dates”. Could it just be that they aren’t looking at the right person?
Definitely one click this endearing read. Not only do you get Finn’s story, you meet some past characters: the Titus’, Wes Michaels, plus Ian, Lex, Leo, Knox and Slater.
If I could have chosen the way the Bro Code series would close, this–THIS!–would have been it! Rachel Van Dyken did NOT disappoint with the story of the last Pleasure Pony standing. The Setup was funnier than I expected–and not just because of The Bet series’s Nadine Titus’s presence being even more pronounced this time around–but the sprinkling of angst gave this a perfect balance, making for an equally entertaining and endearing romance read, which was exactly what I needed. Finneas Titus finally gets his own happily-ever-after, but the path he has before him isn’t quite an easy one. Rest assured he gets there with a little help from his friends…and an aunt with the most unconventional (yet undeniably successful) matchmaking methods that may or may not include a Chihuahua.
Finn Titus has earned his degree and is now taking his rightful place alongside his three best friends and the two men who started it all with Wingmen Inc. On his very first day, he’s quickly assigned to test the company’s latest dating app alongside the office manager, Jillian Hillstone. He needs to give this a hands-on approach–the app testing, not Jillian. Well, not that he wouldn’t mind taking the hands-on approach with his gorgeous yet quite uptight co-worker, even though she doesn’t seem to be as taken by him as he is with her. Maybe that’s because he couldn’t remember that they’d actually been in classes together while she was getting her master’s, even if he did steal her unicorn pencil. Or could it be that she can’t risk giving in to any attraction she has for him, mutual or otherwise, not when she has more at stake than he does? Either way, Finn’s ready to go all in for the first time ever.
Ah, Finn… Seriously, this particular Pleasure Pony’s back story took me by surprise, but in a truly good way, making him the sort of main character that I wanted to get to know more about. He had his work cut out for him when it came to Jillian, but goodness, these two had the sort of chemistry that needed to be explored, no matter how much one of them–cough, Jillian, cough–tried to deny it. There is a pinch of angst, but it worked really well in the story, which was, for the most part, a laugh fest. I expected nothing less, what with the original Wingmen and all four Pleasure Ponies PLUS Aunt Nadine present and accounted for. Rachel Van Dyken has five-plus-starred winner with The Setup, and while I’m sad that this series is coming to an end, Dyken gave her readers stories to remember.
Hilarious! Finn never sees it coming but his friends craft the best setup ever. He is the last single man standing in their group and Knox, Leo & Slater see an opportunity when Finn starts working in the office. Jillian loves working at Wingmen Inc and is focused on getting a promotion. When Finn struts in, well, she finds herself distracted. When Lex & Ian ask Finn and Jillian to do final testing of the new app, neither one can say no. The challenge, how will these two fight their attraction when they have to work so closely together? I enjoyed this story. It made me laugh out loud more than once while letting me understand what really makes Finn tick. Jillian is the perfect match for his intensity. Then we have Aunt Nadine who can’t help but meddle. All of this gave me a fun, sexy romance to escape into.
This is the last of the Bro Code books. I’m sad and heartbroken that there aren’t more Pleasure Ponies!
Finn is the last man standing. He’s now at the Wingman Headquarters.
Jillian is the office manager and boy does she knock Finn on his ass.
I was shocked by what Finn revealed. He just blurted that out and my jaw dropped. I wasn’t expecting that. At All. I mean he’s a Pleasure Pony.
I loved how this story played out.
And Lex and Ian at the end. Especially since Nadine was part of it.
These are such great reads! They just suck you right in and you can’t stop reading until the book is done.
The Setup is the last book in the Bro Code series and I have to say it’s my favorite one. Rachel left the best for the end. Finn and Jillian’s story has everything I want from rom-com. It has laughs, secrets and heartwarming moments. The characters were great and I’m not just talking about the main ones. Aunt Nadine. Best.Aunt.Ever! I loved her. And I loved every single moment of this story. Perfect. I highly recommend this book.
I have truly enjoyed reading the Bro Code standalone series by Rachel Van Dyken so much. In The Setup we get the final single roommate’s story, Finn and it was such a fun, sexy and charming read. Finn and Jillian, the only female office manager, must test the new app before it launches. Finn was fun and caring and just very likable. Jillian was so freaking delightful and I loved watching her interact with Finn. She had reservations about relationships that Finn slowly chipped away. I loved the back and forth banter between them and the steamy chemistry. Their story was such fun to read as is every book in this series!
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog.
Happy reading!
Finn!!! These men-children of the bro codes keep me laughing!!!! Finn wants a chance and he’s not used to being told no. Will he be able to change her mind before he loses his mind?
Totally laugh out loud moments with cameos throughout to remind you while you like these books so much! Would have liked it to be longer and left a few unanswered questions for me but LOVED it all the same!!!
Finn Titus is a man on a mission, one that could land in him in deep with his bosses… but when you find the girl that makes your heart skip a beat for the first time ever you have to go after her, right? But this girl comes with a few complications, namely the most important one is that she is forbidden… you don’t ever date a co-worker, especially if you want to keep your job!
The Setup is a brilliantly penned office romance tale that will have you grinning and swooning the whole way through! I loved this pairing so much, their was a constant spark buzzing between them that kept things intense and steamy, and their witty banter was quite entertaining too. Jillian really kept Finn on his toes! These two were thoroughly entertaining, then you add Aunt Nadine to the mix, and it was downright hilarity… that woman is a hoot! I have to say this has got to be my favorite installment in the series, the charismatic cast in this one really stole the show for me, as well the heart-squeezing they had to tell. Highly recommend you get your hands on this one, what you find between the pages is certain to keep you captivated from beginning to end!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title in exchange for an honest review**
It’s time for our final Pleasure Pony to find his happily ever after! This group of guys has been such fun and I’m glad that when all is said and done they will have all found their “one”!
Finn Titus has always been followed by his last name. He’s got a trust fund, not to mention the money that he’s made on his own, making him a multi-millionaire. He’s protective as all get out of his baby sister, Tatum, and he’s the one that has always been known to make women come just with the sound of his voice. While his friends know almost everything about him, he has kept something to himself that shocks them all.
Jillian is the office manager and she’s a shy, curvy girl who went to school with the Pleasure Pony’s so she’s known them for years. She’s had a crush on Finn for years, but never in her wildest dreams does she think she’d even have a chance with him.
With the launch of the new app upcoming, some beta testing is needed, so Jillian and Finn are tasked with working together to test the app. They are to create profiles for their perfect mate and then they’ll double date in order to give feedback to the developers. As the two work together alone, and often in small places, the two definitely are attracted to one another, but while Finn wants to act on it, Jillian has concerns because she needs this job and it’s more important to her that she keeps it rather than engage in a relationship that may or may not last. Will these two ultimately end up together or will their mutual attraction end up going up in flames?
This book had a little bit of everything, which was amazing! I laughed, I swooned, I giggled and I felt for these characters. It was a cute and lighthearted story that made me happy. I’m sad we’ve reached the conclusion of the Bro Code books, but I have absolutely no doubt that whatever RVD writes for us next will be nothing less than awesome!
Best of the Bro Code series in my opinion. This was a great read full of lust, love, and a hot male virgin. The author handled the male college graduate virgin storyline in a way that made you fall in love with Finn because of how he dealt with his lack of sex and falling in love with a woman with very low self esteem. I highly recommend not only this book, but the whole series.
I LOVED Finn and Jillian’s story so much. These two could not be more perfect for each other. Their banter, their friendship and just everything. In my eyes, the best pleasure pony was saved for last because I completely fell in love with Finn throughout this story.
There was an instant chemistry between Finn and Jillian. Jillian tried so hard to fight the pull when it came to Finn. She had an idea that he was just a rich, spoiled, playboy who just cared about himself. Finn proved that he was more than that, not just in this book but in the previous ones there were also glimpses to his caring, protective, sweet side.
Aunt Nadine is the true winner though. I seriously wish I could spend the day with that lady. She is hilarious, a matchmaker and getting involved in everyone’s business. Her connection with all the guys at Wingman, Inc and accepting and welcoming they all are to her. She is truly Aunt Nadine to everyone.
The Setup is full of laughs, angst, steam and romance. I loved every single moment and couldn’t put this one down. Another winner from RVD and a fantastic addition to the series.
Best book in the history of Books!! Ever!!!!
When all you can do is grin and laugh whilst reading, it’s a sign of an absolutely fantastic story!!!
This book has it ALL!!! All the things!!! Finn and Jillian and The Wingmen, hilarious banter, sizzling moments and all combined to make this the most entertaining brilliant story!I don’t know what more to say! It just has to be read! Has to! Inspirational quotes also made for delightful moments as well! And we cant forget Grandma Nadine, she definitely brings some fun and games to the book too!
Such a feel good story! Such an epic conclusion and I could have read so much more about the characters! They have solidified a place in my heart for life!
RVD saves the best for last. I absolutely enjoyed Finn and Jillian. Their chemistry is sizzling and banter flirty and funny as hell. Loved the cameos and references to other characters. Definitely a must read in this series!
THE SETUP is the fourth (and final) instalment in Rachel Van Dyken’s contemporary, adult THE 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 twenty-two year old, Finn Titus, and Wingman Inc PA Jillian’s story line. THE SETUP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Finn and Jillian ) THE SETUP follows the building relationship between twenty-two year old, Finn Titus, and Wingman Inc PA Jillian. Finn Titus is the last single member of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’, and his friends are desperate to set him up. With the upcoming launch of their new Couple Creator App, Ian and Lex, along with Slater, Leo and Knox tag Finn and his PA Jillian, to test out the online features. Having entered their ‘likes and dislikes’ into the app, Jillian and Finn will be set up on several dates, with other people, dates that will also include one another. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Jillian and Finn, and the potential fall-out as Jillian struggles with a workplace romance, and Finn battles his need to prove he is worthy of love.
Finn Titus is a multi-millionaire and believes women only want him for his money. Meeting and falling for Jillian gave Finn a chance at his own happily ever after but Jillian constantly battled between head and heart believing herself unworthy of Finn’s affections, and the fear of losing her job.
The relationship between Finn and Jillian is one of immediate attraction but Finn’s has a secret that he has kept close to his heart for all of his adult life. Jillian has fallen for Finn Titus but worries in the face of the others discovering their office romance. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic, language and text.
All of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’ play secondary and supporting characters. Their one on one, and group texting is worthy of a few laughs, and sighs, knowing what they know about our story line hero.
THE SETUP is a wonderful story; a fast paced, entertaining and welcome addition to Rachel’s BRO CODE series of stand alones. The premise is engaging; the romance is seductive; the characters are flirty and fun.
This series just keeps getting better and better and I didn’t think that Avoiding Temptation could be topped…. but I was wrong.
I knew I was going to enjoy Finn’s story. All of the ‘Pleasure Ponies’ are amazing guys but I have to say I adore Finn because he has the most incredible personality and I so wanted him to find his own girl, especially since all of his ‘brothers’ have found theirs.
I love Jillian. She is fun, she is real, she doesn’t hold back from saying what she thinks and even though I wanted her to live in the moment and act upon her desires, I loved that she kept in mind her responsibilities and also looked to protect her heart from what she felt would be potential heartache. The chemistry between Finn and Jillian is most definitely there and I loved witnessing the attraction between them and seeing their friendship develop.
When the guys at Wingman Inc. get together, I just know that they will be putting a smile on my face with their banter and camaraderie. I am actually sad that this is the last book in the series (or so I believe). Add in some meddling from Aunt Nadine and you have a light-hearted, witty and entertaining story.
The Setup is a must read. I felt it was the perfect ending to a great series.
Overall Grade:
And she’s brought it. Rachel Van Dyken’s The Setup, the last of the stories for the Pleasure Ponies, is coming. We’ve read Knox’s, Leo’s, and Slater’s stories, all of them offering some humor, some $exy, and a lesson meant to highlight some of the challenges we face daily. Whether it’s a lesson about forgiveness, loving yourself, or creating your family with the people who love you most, the guys of Wingmen Inc. have entertained, titillated, and admonished us along the way.
Van Dyken’s The Setup is the story for the last of the Pleasure Ponies, Finn. We know that he’s wealthy with a healthy trust fund, a crazy aunt, a sister who he adores and seeks to protect, and a tortured relationship with his parents who see him as only a bank. What The Setup shows us is another secret about Finn, one that may surprise the most ardent fan of Van Dyken’s Bro Code series. In this story, Finn finds himself attracted to Jillian, the office manager for Wingmen Inc. As Wingmen Inc. prepares to release a new app, Jillian and Finn, the only single people in management, are tasked with testing it for a last-minute glitch. Forced to act as each other’s “wingmen” with dates acquired through the app, Jillian and Finn recognize quickly that they are attracted to each other. However, given that they work for the same company and Jillian’s financial situation is precarious, Jillian tries to ignore her feelings for Finn. Even more, she feels unworthy of him because he’s wealthy and incredibly attractive. Will Jillian spurn Finn and his advances, or will these two accept their growing attraction and feelings for each other and find their HEA?
What I love most about The Setup and this series, in general, is its love for Van Dyken’s fans. She wrote these books because her fans wanted the stories of the other male characters from Co-Ed, Knox’s story. I love that Van Dyken listened and offered up Seducing Mrs. Robinson, Avoiding Temptation, and The Setup. In doing so, she created a series that tickles your funny bone, steams up your metaphorical glasses, and makes you think over everyday challenges.
In this book, Finn and Jillian are funny. From the outset, each teases the other in ways that ensure page-after-page chemistry. It’s clear that these two need to end up together because it seems easy. As Finn and Jillian double date while on blind dates, it’s clear that they are meant for each other. They cajole, challenge, and fight with each other as a means to foreplay, and it makes for a fun read.
Coupled with the humor of this book is a real lesson about accepting one’s body. Jillian is every woman. We get a sense of her when she says, “…plain old Jillian,” or “[b]ut not for me. I looked like a bowling ball that forgot her pants.” Through Jillian, we realize she’s not a size 0 or 4 for that matter and she probably looks like your average girl next door. She struggles to see herself with Finn who is a walking Adonis. Yet, once we see Jillian through Finn’s eyes, we know that he finds himself instantly attracted to her “curves” and “@ss.” This is a man who knows what he likes even when Jillian doesn’t love herself enough to accept it. In fact, Finn challenges Jillian’s thinking when he says, “That’s the problem, Jillian. You say you see me. But you really don’t. And in that case, you’re right, we would never work. Because I see you. But you don’t see me.” This is the challenge of Van Dyken’s story: learning to accept yourself and expecting that others will love and accept you too. I love when romance writers like Van Dyken couple a “better than average” person with someone perceived to be a Venus or Adonis. It’s a reminder that there are no “types” for someone, and it admonishes us to love for inner beauty over falling for one’s outer beauty.
Like Leo and Slater, I fell in love with Finn. Honestly, to me, he feels like the most insecure Pony. There is something special about his challenge in The Setup that intrigues you and pushes you to root for a happy ending for him. Add in his Aunt Nadine, the antics of the Wingmen Inc., and one cute chihuahua, and you can’t help but fall in love with his and Jillian’s story.
Once again, Rachel Van Dyken has pleased us with the stories of her Pleasure Ponies through The Setup. I think she’s easily fulfilled her duty to her fans (although I’d love a bonus scene where all of the PP find themselves in a quadruple wedding a la Jane Austen). Finn and Jillian’s story, like the ones that came before it, once again titillates and makes you laugh out loud. These guys who seem so secure and strong show us that no one is ever really set. There is always a challenge to overcome or a happy ending to be found. The Setup is just another Van Dyken story that leaves you satisfied and with a huge smile on your face.
Another hit for Rachel! This time it’s Finn’s turn to find his one true love except he has some extra help from the gang and good old Aunt Nadine!
Finn has finally graduated from college and is now working at Wingmen Headquarters. Finn is partnered with Jillian to work on a project and it’s the first time he’s laid eyes on Jillian and he’s instantly attracted to her. But there is no fraternization allowed in the office, but no matter how hard Finn tries he just can’t stay away from Jillian.
Jillian is a secretary at Wingman and is asked to sit in on a meeting to take notes and soon finds out that she has to work with Finn on a project and she’s ashl but freaking out because she’s had a crush on Finn sense they were in college. The more she’s around Finn the more she’s strarting to fall for him but she tries to stand her ground with him but always seems to be brought right back to where he’s at.
Finn is swoon worthy right from the start and makes you even more swoon over him through out the book! Jillian is a strong willed woman that will do anything to keep her job. But it becomes a completely diffrent ball game when she’s paired with Finn!
I loved these books and finally got to read the pleasure ponies books and you will not be disappointed! Lex, Luther and even Aunt Nadine are back and makes for some good laughs! I can’t wait to see what’s next!