Vince Morrison, known to most people as Van.Good with his hands, be it crafting a piece of wood, playing his guitar, or pleasing a lover—he excels at them all.Friendly, flirty, and talented, he’s cool under pressure, and hot everywhere else.But he keeps his heart closed, even as his interest and emotions are tested.Olivia Rourke works alongside him at BAM.Talented, private, and intriguing, she … alongside him at BAM.
Talented, private, and intriguing, she touches something inside him he can’t deny.
He wants to know her. In every possible way.
He wants her to know him.
Her past tells her to stay clear. Van is everything that she wants, and exactly what she cannot have. She has someone else to think of who is more important.
Can either of them risk their hearts?
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Melanie Moreland writes really well. Anyone who’s read anything by her knows this already, but it bears repeating, especially in the context of Van. This story is the fifth in the Vested Interest series. The minute you start reading this book, you’re in a different world. From the first sentence, you’re right there with the characters, and that is exactly how I want to feel when I’m reading.
Next, the characters. I’m smiling as I’m writing this, because Van… he is just such a great character! He’s appeared briefly in the previous books of this series, so we’ve had glimpses here and there, but seeing him in the limelight is something else. You see that cover? You see the brawny arms holding the heavy hammer with such ease? That is so accurate for him! He’s this hardworking, skilled guy, but he has this whole other side… he’s artistic, and part of a band, his past has been so different, and so devastating. And yet, he has grown far beyond that, he’s mature and that is a major turn on. And as if all that wasn’t enough, just wait till he’s with “Mouse”…those parts are my absolute favourites in the book!
Olivia, or Liv, is a single mom who works with Van, and the sparks between them are very visible…yet kind of understated, just like they are. What I particularly liked about her character was that she is very believable. She has a kid who she is obviously focused on, but she’s doing a great job with her. She’s good at her work, and doesn’t let external stress mess that up for her. That is so true of so many strong women in real life, and I’m v happy to see that kind of representation in the book. She doesn’t get taken in by drama, and is so poised. Yet she’s also vulnerable, and I think the way she finally lets Van into her life and allows him to support her in her fight was very well written.
I could wax poetic about Mouse, but that is one gem I think every reader should just discover on their own. She is such a delight! Other than that, it was great to see all my fav guys from the earlier books, (especially Reid, and oh my god, on that note, the Epilogue is awesome). They’re there in a professional setting, and then in a more relaxed one when they all go to see Van play with his band one night. But it’s particularly fun to see how they rally round when the conflict hits, and Liv needs that kind of support.
That sense of family, of having or building a support system that is based on trust and respect, is such a central aspect of these books. It’s one of the things that leaves you with an extremely positive and hopeful outlook at the end. So yes, I was sad when I finished the book, I may have had a few tears in my eyes as well (because that epilogue…), but I was also really happy with how it all worked out. My only problem is that it left me hankering for a princess bookshelf. Pink. With glitter. Damn.
With every book I finish in this series I say this one is my favorite. I hate to sound repetitive, but this is my new favorite in this series!!
Omg this book is sooo good! And Van..my new book boyfriend. He’s a gentle giant but also don’t very protective of his girls. The way he was with his “mouse” swoon!! Liv was a strong woman, loving mother and very professional. Both attracted to each other but both afraid to commit in a relationship.
So many emotions when reading this book. There was a few times I wanted to strangle a certain someone.
And that epilogue…it was amazing!!!
5 STARS
Book Hangover alert!!! I loved this story so much. Vince ‘Van’ Morrison is no ordinary carpenter. By day a leader at work and by night he is a bit of a rock star, but always hiding the pain of a tragic past. He is at ALL times the swooniest of heroes.
“Gentle and sweet with her and those he loved, but fierce and stern with those who threatened them.”
Olivia ‘Livvy’ Rourke is a single mom to an amazing precocious little girl, Sammy (Mouse). Livvy has admired Van but has enough on her plate to juggle her career and raising her daughter on her own. But when her past starts to interfere she cannot handle it on her own.
“Nothing about you is ugly, Van. Your scars are a part of you—a part of your past that makes you who you are.”
“Who am I?” he asked, his voice so low, I had to strain to hear him.
“Mine,” I replied. “You’re mine.”
This is such a beautiful story. I could not resist rooting for Van, Livvy and Mouse to find their way past the struggles. And that epilogue… OMG! I was left with such a book-hangover, but SO worth it! #Swoon
-5+ Stars-
My heart. I’ve loved each and every one of the BAM boys but Van was just something else. His big heart & patience was just too much.
Van and Liv were perfect together. The way Van was with Sammy melted my heart. He was perfect!
This story was so real. It was heartwarming and had the right amount of drama. I was on happiness overload that I had tears at the end because of how sweet it all was. Omg! Hands down my fave of the vested interest series. I love how in the end it all comes down to family and having each others back. Such a great read!
Audiobook review:
I have read every book in this series and l devoured the first 5 audiobooks. Each one has been narrated by John and Maxine. I love how with each book they bring a fresh new experience with their performance. Van and Livy’s character were brought to life with the smooth vocals of John Lane and sweet melodic sound of Maxine Mitchell. They fit the characters well and even bringing little Sammy to life. The way this pair can transform their voices to suit the needs of the characters in the story boggles my mind. It’s amazing—they’re amazing. Van and Livy’s book is a must read and I can’t rave about this pair enough! I love the Bam family!!
An emotional roller coaster with slow and steady love. Van and Liv a are love at first sight but too shy to act couple. I loved this storyline so so much and the epilogue will melt your heart. We need a bonus book with more along the epilogue line!!! Sammy is the sweetest girl with no filter and she’s my favourite! She killed me the whole way through.
5 Stars are not enough!! I have loved this series from the first book and the BAM men have at one time or two been my favorite characters, but Van knocks them all down a notch. Melanie Moreland creates characters that the reader not only falls in love with and so wants them to get their HEA but also creates storylines that are honest and true. There is no need for flamboyant or outlandish plots or characters. Van and Liv’s romance starts off with a slow burn but once it ignites they explode. Throw in her little daughter Sammy and you get another wonderful layer to Van that makes the reader sigh. Perfect in every single way – this is a series that will be re-read very often.
OH!!! Van you are my new hero. What an amazing 5 star story this was. Be prepared for an highly addicting masterpiece.
Van works for BAM, so does Liv. He likes her a lot, but she’s not ready. She has been through a lot and she needs to not only think of herself in this matter. Van has been heartbroken and he’s afraid to open his heart but he can’t resist Liv.
What a captivating story this was. Once I started reading it, I couldn’t seem to be able to put it down. I devoured it. It’s full of surprises, with some twists and turns. Bam is family, even if they are not related they stick together.
Beautifully written with a storyline that had me hooked. Amazing characters that latched themselves to my heart. I loved seeing the other characters from the previous 4 books come together in a time of need. Bottomline is this a must read.
This is book 5 from a series. It still can be read as a standalone. But for better enjoying read them all in order. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I strongly recommend this amazing story.
I’m not sure if this series is getting better and better, or if, in between books, I’m forgetting how awesome each book is. From the very first page, Van had me hooked, Van the book, and, Van the person. Vincent ‘Van’ Morrison is every girl’s dream (well he’s definitely mine). Kind, considerate, a little alpha, and a whole lot of protective. All wrapped up in 6’ 3” of pure temptation. Not only is he in construction, he also writes music, and he’s in a band. Van has had a secret crush on his coworker, single mother, Olivia Rourke, who, don’t you know it, also has a crush on Van. The fact that they’ve both been burned badly in the past impacts their future decisions and has them questioning whether they will ever be able to trust anyone enough to have a relationship again. Brilliant writing, a fantastic story (dual POV), featuring all the wonderful characters from previous books in the series, along with some lovely new additions. Sammie melted my heart throughout. A story full of romance, suspense and maybe a little angst. A full five star read that I was able to read and review early, thanks to the author for the advance copy.
This book has 2 great charachters. Van is a hard working guy who’s heart has been closed of for too long. Liv is a woman who has been through a lot in her life and came out of it a stronger person. There love story is great to read it, with every chapter you read you see how they are falling for each other. But they both have to overcome obstacles in order to keep their relaltionship alive. I loved it all would highly recommend this book.
I LOVE this series and Van is such a great addition!
Van, master carpenter, is a huge guy with a heart of gold. He has been hurt in the past and cautious in his relationships. Nothing can stop his attraction to coworker, single mom Liv. Liv has one priority: her daughter. She isn’t interested in romance but she has never been wooed by a guy like Van.
This series!! I love all the characters and Van, Livvy and Mouse are so great here. And the epilogue is EVERYTHING!! I really hope we have more BAM books!!
My man Van. Vince Morrison. A carpenter, Alpha male, former rockstar, with a tragic past and scars both inside and out. The BAM series continues and this family keeps growing and twining around our hearts.
Olivia Roark (Livvy)is a master designer who together with Van works at BAM. She is a single mother of a little girl (Sammy) who has her own devils from her past to deal with and has grown strong in her solidarity.
Van and Libby are an awesome duo at work and realize that they have both been attracted to each other for a while but been repressing it. No more. Together these two somehow try to figure things out and little Sammy is the star of the show! She steals top billing by getting King Van in a blue boa and tiara for her tea party! I laughed out loud along with Livvy! You find out there is nothing he won’t do for his Mouse. Even pink glitter in his hair! Van is so protective over “his girls” it will melt your heart.
But as these two navigate through trust issues and some steamy (and I mean really hot sexy scenes), some evil rears it’s ugly head into their bubble ready to rip it apart! Can their new found feelings withstand this attack?
I love this author, Melanie never lets her readers down. Each book is a little better than the last (I don’t know how, but somehow it is!). She is always a one click for me, no question. If you haven’t read the Vested Interest series, you can read this as a standalone, but it’s best to read them all in order as all the characters are in each book and you get updates on all their lives!!! This book is 10 Amazing stars (if I could give them, so, yeah, just 5 here!)
Wow!! Im not sure what to say to do this wonderful read justice!
I have such a book hangover from reading it! It was riveting, entertaining, heartwarming, had some suspense and drama that held my attention to the very end and I could have read so much more!!
I just loved the way Van was, with everyone around him, but when family really matters, needless to say he’s the most amazing caring man! So devoted, so loving….ok commence sighing and swooning! I mean, book boyfriends are just darn swoonworthy!!!! Aren’t they just??!!
I really loved Liv! She was a woman who strived to be the best she could be but when her past catches up to her needless to say the BAM men certainly know how to stand up for their family!
Absolutely loved it and would definitely recommend it! Such a great addition to the series!!
Melanie has done it again with another amazing book!! Every book in this series keeps getting better and better, and Van is no exception… Van is an amazing man who is loving, sexy, sweet and has the kindest heart. The relationship between Van and Liv gives me all the good vibes I need to make me happy reader. Just like all her books there are twists and turns that will keep you wanting more till the end. I couldn’t put this book down if I tried.
It’s no secret that I love Melanie Moreland’s writing and I adore this series! Every single time I sit down to write a review for one of these books, I find it hard to adequately describe how much these characters weave themselves into my life and into my heart — I don’t ever want this series to end so I’m hoping she continues to write about all the new characters she introduces us to in each book — Hal??? Hint, hint?! Van, Livvy and Mouse stole my heart and took my breath away several times, while also making me laugh, cry and swoon. And Melanie has a way of writing epilogues — OMG, I was a puddle of tears! But then I think I’ve said that about all her epilogues! Another emotional, heartfelt, incredible read — I highly suggest and recommend this series – 10+ stars!
Van a Vested Interest Book by Melanie Moreland is just what I needed.
I love that Moreland gives us characters and storylines that renew our faith in humanity.
While she tackles real life issues, she still leaves us with the hope of a brighter future.
Van and Liv are one couple you’ll find yourself rooting for throughout the whole book.
They’re the best new you want to see succeed. The ones you want to get to know.
5 Stars