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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I. Loved. This. Book!
Van was total book boyfriend material! He’s smart, in touch with his feelings, is good with his hands-He’s in construction peeps, so you know, buildings and woodworking…although he’s got some pretty steamy moves in the bedroom too…( I am saying this with tongue in cheek and grinning a mile wide)…and he’s crushing hard on his coworker, Olivia. He’s also a total marshmallow when it comes to a certain little girl and her obsession for all things pink and covered in glitter! What’s not to love about that?
Olivia was artistic, sweet, focused, and a fierce mama bear when need be. She’s private and protective of those closest to her, but once you’re let in to her tight circle? You couldn’t ask for a better support system. Olivia’s daughter Sammy, aka Mouse, was a page stealer! She was an absolute hoot and total delight with her innocence, one million and one questions, affectionate kisses, and love of the dreaded glitter!
Rounding out the story was a great, close knit group of secondary characters, who’s stories I need to go back and read now too! I just need a few more minutes in the day….
Van and Olivia’s relationship isn’t a bed of roses, but for every thorn plucked, they smoothed the way towards something bigger and better then either one could have imagined.
Van is book 5 in the Vested Interest series and I had no difficulty reading it as a stand alone.
I want a Van in my life. Seriously. He’s like the epitome of my perfect fantasy man: smart, sexy, funny, sweet, gentle, forgiving, loving. Did I mention sexy? **fans self**
I’ve loved the glimpses we’ve had of Van through the rest of this fantastic Vested Interest series, but I was wholly unprepared for him and his story and his big ol’ heart. Gah, who doesn’t love a man who’s great with kids and a hammer? And I mean hammer both literally and figuratively . . . just sayin’. **wink**
But in all seriousness, I absolutely loved the romance that bloomed between Van and Liv. I loved how they both secretly (or not so secretly if you ask anyone else at BAM) watched and wanted the other. That they held back until they just couldn’t hold back any more.
I loved how they took things slow. That both Van and Olivia had pasts that needed to be addressed and thought about and through. And that those pasts really affected their current selves, no matter how much they denied it. But, whoa, was it worth it to see them work things through.
Give me another sec to finish my swoon. Okay, maybe more than a sec.
Okay, now I’m back. And still totally in love with Van and Liv, and gosh, gotta add in Sammy too. That little girl is a pistol and a scene stealer!
Seriously, get one clicking. Even if you haven’t read the rest of the series—which is a complete travesty if you haven’t—you need to have Van in your life. And, trust me, you won’t want to let him go!
I have enjoyed the series so far and Van’s and Olivia’s story just as much. Great writing, captivating story line, well developed characters and amazing secondary characters to wrap this up in a neat sexy, swooney, romantic package of perfect!
I am totally swooning right now! And it’s all because of Van.
Van and Olivia have worked together for the past year. While he didn’t feel an immediate drive to pursue her, he now finds himself realizing he hasn’t been with another woman since he first met her. He finds her intriguing and sets out to learn more. Little by little he begins to dig beneath the layers to find the true heart of her and in the process learns to let down his own walls.
Olivia has had to stand on her own for a long time and as a single mother it has been a lonely journey. When Van begins to make things personal between them, she struggles to give in. She’s been hurt and it’s not an easy thing to let go of. But with his undying patience, as well as his gentle caring and carefree ways with her daughter, she yields. Van won me over long before he won Olivia and I was ranting at her to just do it already…but the slow burn was so much sweeter for the wait. Darn it!
I loved this couple together. And we get plenty of couple time here and is something I crave. Add in a little glitter princess “Mouse” and you’ve got the makings of a complete swoonfest! And on my gosh did I swoon! There is nothing like a big burly hero who works with his hands, covered in glitter.
I felt this was a pretty low angst read despite the conflict that arises later in the story. I did feel the tension and the emotion of the situation, but because I knew Ms. Moreland was going to give me a happy ending I wasn’t worried things would go south. I just wasn’t sure how they were going to resolve the problem.
The steam level here is pretty high but the story is not saturated with sex scenes. The thing that shines through the most is the care and trust this couple have for each other. This is simply put a beautiful story with a trio of characters that have stolen my heart.
Dual POV
Just when you think you have Van all figured out, he throws a monkey wrench in your way of thinking. Moreland has crafted a puzzle that seems totally put together, but looks can be deceiving. Hidden in the fine print, the clues are almost blinding. Olivia and Van are only a piece of the big picture. It’s the intricacies that tell the true story. Determined to hope, afraid to risk and refusing to love, these two overachievers are about to learn that what the heart wants, the heart gets. Emotion is the star of the show.
Oh Lord, I love this story. Liv and Van are beautiful people with horrible histories, together they begin to leave their histories where they should be, firmly in the past. But when the most hideous part of the past turns up in the present, I physically felt my heart twist and my inside clench, such is the ability of Melanie as a writer. Melanie has given us another super installment in the BAM series. The family theme that runs through all these books reminds me that family isn’t just blood, it can be what you make it.
Wow! Another great story in the Invested Series. I am so in love with this series. I can’t decide which book I love more. This one is easily in the top two, with a plot line that is more common in life than we realize. Van and Liv’s story is a beautiful one, but one with challenges.
Liv is the designer on the BAM construction team. Van runs the construction team with Jordan for BAM. Together this power team takes BAM’s flips and rebuilds to a whole new level, making the guys at BAM very rich and successful.
Van has kept his distance from Liv since she started. Secretly crushing on her, but yet keeping it to professional. But it is getting harder and harder. She is beautiful, kind, smart and sweet. Watching her day in and day out is his favorite part of the day, especially if her daughter Sammy is around. But he has a past that haunts him still and makes it hard for him to do anything other than watch her.
Liv has only worked for BAM a little while, but she loves her job. As a single mother it is hard at times to balance it all, but she would not trade it for anything in the world. Sammy is her world. Just like Van, Liv has a past that restricts her from acting on the feelings she has for Van. Not that she would ever be good enough for him. But she secretly watches him without his knowledge. Dreaming of him with hopelessness.
When these two collide and the feelings are finally explored, the past comes at them hard. Everything that is important to Liz is at risk. Can Liv be happy and fight against the past that continues to haunt her?
This was a moving story. One of my favorites of the series. Each with a complicated and real problem, shows us the reality of things that threaten to tear our characters apart. Sadness, loss and love so great that only a fool would not be moved by their story. Van and Liv’s story is no different. This book moved me. I especially enjoy the part that Reid (our sexy nerd) played in helping them.
I can’t wait to see what Melanie has in store for us next with her crew at BAM. I just love all the guys and hope that this story is not the end of our crew. If you love sweet romances with a dose of real life issues, then this book is for you. So pick up the book and dive in. This book can be read as a standalone, but I suggest you start with book one. You don’t want to miss out on all that the boys at BAM have to offer.
*ARC provided by Melanie Moreland
What can I say about Van and Liv without giving anything away… they are exactly who each other needs. They each have had something happen to them in a big way and help heap each other along the way.
Melanie Moreland was recommended to me by a fellow book lover, and I am so glad I found a new author to follow! I started with Book 5 as Van can be read as a stand-alone, but liked it so much I am now going to start at the beginning by reading Bentley’s story and how he formed his property management/construction business, BAM with two of his college friends.
Van Morrison I am assuming he met later because as I said, I didn’t read the previous four books and it doesn’t seem as if he is a partner in the business. Van is as perfect as a man can get. So if you like bad boys or players, this isn’t the book for you. Van is real. He’s handsome, smart, a talented musician, a talented craftsman, hardworking, protective, loyal, giving, and loving. He’s an honest man longing for a family of his own. He is the forman of BAM where he works side-by side with his friends which includes Olivia, a woman he has had romantic feelings for for way too long. She’s a single mom and is also talented, a great mom, humble, hardworking. All the things you admire in a woman. This is the story of their journey together and finding love even when times get tough.
This book is well written and I especially like how up-front and honest they are with each other. They don’t play games which is refreshing. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!
What is sexier than a man who willingly steps up for a child that isn’t his own? Very little in my opinion! Van and Liv work together for BAM and have a chemistry that neither has acted on yet, but that’s all about to change! Enter the adorable Sammi (or Mouse as Van dubs her) and their story is absolutely enchanting.
Van is a natural protector and Liv has been hurt in the past, which leaves her wondering if she can handle a relationship with someone like Van. Van has been hurt in his past, both physically and emotionally, but he knows what he wants. Watching their story unfold is amazing…the perfect addition to the BAM Boys!
This is the fifth book in the amazing Vested Interest Series. You have to listen to this series in order, for a better enjoyment. Van and Olivia’s story is sweet, beautiful, and heartwarming. They are both employees at BAM. Van is handsome, protective, supportive, and caring. Olivia is a fantastic single Mom, caring, strong, and independent. Sammy, Olivia’s daughter is such a cute little girl. I love the beautiful ending. This is a great addition to the series. I loved to see again BAM (Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox). Maxine Mitchell and John Lane did a wonderful job with the narration. I enjoyed it. I can wait to listen to the next book in the Series, Halton.
Van is by far the best book in the entire Vested Interest series, Moreland has outdone herself with such heartwarming and emotional romance that won’t disappoint at all.
In the book we are introduced to Van Morrison who works for BAM, a highly successful development company founded by Bentley, Aiden and Maddox. They have truly created a company that is innovated, but also one that treats its employees well. Van oversees a lot of the projects for the company, but when he is not busy at work he loves working with wood. He is constantly working on the next project along with Olivia Rourke, the head of the design team at BAM. They’ve worked together for a year now, their teams work side-by-side and he has developed feelings for her when she is clearly off-limits to him. Not only is she seven years younger than him, but a single mom who wants a forever that he cannot give. He tried it once and failed. Van will not let his guard down and get hurt again. But when Olivia needs him the most, he vows to protect her without realizing just how much his life was about to change forever.
Olivia Rourke loves her job at BAM, it’s challenging at times but she enjoys what she does. That also means that she gets to work with Van all the time and she has secretly developed a crush on him that she can’t deny. Olivia loves how sweet he is with Sammy, but she knows better than to have a relationship that might not end up working out. Van never signed up to be in a relationship with a single mom and she can’t give him that responsibility. She has been hurt in the past, but when she finds out more about Van’s past, she realizes that he might just be it for her. It would take a turn of events to truly test their love for one another and see if they can actually have a future together.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Van, it was really sweet and romantic from beginning to end! Van will steal your heart and leave you swooning for the characters. It’s evident from the start that they both have pasts to overcome, but being together is what makes them stronger. Van’s relationship with Sammy was everything! He is a gentle giant to her which I loved. The cameos that other main characters from previous books make really tied well with the series. The ending is unforgettable, have your tissues ready because it’s going to get really emotional! I would highly recommend checking out this book as well as the entire series, it’s romantic, steamy and full of swoon worthy moments. You will not regret it.
**I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.**
With each Vested Interest or “BAM” book, I find myself becoming more invested in the characters. This book about Van, Olivia, and Sammy was a great addition.
I loved how Van and Sammy interacted. He was so protective and accepting of her. So often, when there is a kid in the book, they are often made to be obnoxious. Not so with Sammy. She was a sweet little kid. I was also rooting for the kid at the end of the book.
I was glad Van was able to break down Olivia’s barriers. Just when I thought the woman from the bar was going to be their undoing, the story took a sharp turn. Eventually the real threat sauntered into Van and Olivia’s life.
The BAM guys, including Reid made an appearance in this book.The book also introduced Halton’s character. Sort of. Halton was actually mentioned in one of the earlier books, if I remember correctly. There just wasn’t much detail given about him other than being an attorney.
When the BAM family and Halton got together to neutralize the threat to Olivia and Sammy, that threat never stood a chance.
John Lane and Maxine Mitchell did a great job on the narration. I enjoyed listening to this book. There was love, romance, a few steamy scenes, a lot of friendship, support, and family. When the book was over, it left me with a good feeling.
Van is a true BAM boy with positive character traits, and Liv is a female protagonist with drive and grit. A delightful narrative. Books 1- 4 about the BAM boys are also enjoyable.
Van: Vested Interest #5
Vince Morrison (aka Van) works for BAM Development Inc. and his job is working on Bentley’s first love (flipping houses). This series continues to get better and better.
Van is just a down to earth wonderful kind of guy who loves his job and loves his hobby playing guitar and singing in a group and I think he has a thing for Olivia (Liv) who is the head of BAM’s design team.
Liv is a single mother who is making a name for herself in the design world. Liv’s daughter Sammy is four years old and she is the cutest thing. Van also realizes that Liv and Sammy (Samantha) are a package deal, and he is good with that. The problem is Van doesn’t think Liv is ready for any kind of relationship other than friendship. If that’s the way this has to start then Van is up for this. He spent an afternoon with Sammy gave her a new nickname, Mouse and promised he would build her the most beautiful, sparkly Castle bookcase ever and he was serious. By the end of that first afternoon, I think Van and Mouse had formed a quite alliance, to win over Liv!
Liv has great respect for Van and she thinks he would be a great catch and a wonderful father, but she’s not prepared to open her heart and feelings. Feelings that have left her a bit broken from her relationship with the man who just happens to be Sammy’s father. Can Van and Sammy wear Liv down? Is there a chance that Van, Liv and Sammy/Mouse can come together and become a family?
Melanie Mooreland gives us a truly beautiful love story of two people who have gone through rough times with love and both have residual hurt; one of them not sure they will ever be able to trust again. It truly is a touching story of a man, a woman and a darling little girl that will make you smile and sigh. You will get angry at outside forces and you will be rooting for these three wonderful people to come together.
I can’t say enough about how Melanie Mooreland brings us the best of characters to read. By the time you finish each book you are sure these people really do live here in Toronto and you want to be neighbours or friends with them because they are all good people! Five stars for this book and glitter galore!
Van and Liv were absolute perfection. Their story was about learning to trust not only another person but yourself as well. The bond Van created with Liv and Sammy was unbreakable and when they added Reed to their family it became even stronger. This has now become my favorite story in this world!
I had a hard time staying focused while I was reading this. I couldn’t connect. And then they continued to work with “Nolan”, even when they knew implicitly what type of person he was. When he showed his true colors, I just NOPED right out. Too unrealistic for me.
The Vested Interest Series has been one of my favorites to read and none of them have disappointed in any way. Van and Olivia’s story was one of romance, sweetness and very sexy. They complimented each other in every way and compensated each other where needed. Their attraction was more than physical, it was romantic, friendly and caring. I loved their relationship and was sorry to see it end, but the outcome was amazing for both characters having been a little broken in different ways and coming together to form a special union that most dream of. Melanie Moreland has become one of my favorite authors, if you want broken, steamy and romantic, this series is one you need to read.
Oh. My! I absolutely love this series!! And I love that we get to read about other members of the BAM family. Family is not always linked by blood a d this proves it!
Van has been working alongside Liv for a while now and she has given him hope and put light in his life without her even realising it. Add ‘Mouse’ into the mix and my heart melted as they got to know each other a little more. However, someone is not happy with this and is going out of his way to split this little family up before it starts. BAM won’t stand for it though, and will do all they can to keep their own together. ‘Family Van, it’s about Family’ (Aiden).
What a fantastic addition to this series!! I have a feeling (fingers crossed) that this is not the end of the BAM fam!
How not to love this series?
Once again, my heart was stolen! Van, Olivia and Mouse totally got it from me and I don’t want it back!
This book was so touching for so many reasons. I always loved a single parent story, and this book was amazing at it. The plot was so emotional and the characters were so deep and well built, it was beautiful and inspiring to read.
Van and Livvy were both so deeply burned in the past that getting vulnerable to try something between them required a lot of courage and strength.
But their feelings were so strong, their pull towards one another so undeniable, that building a relationship came naturally, so did trust.
Soon enough, they started to realize that they were an amazing team not only at work.
And the wonderful part is that, while they were growing closer and starting something so beautiful, they weren’t alone in that journey. Sammy, aka Mouse, was as much of a main character as they were, and every time she showed up in a scene, my heart would melt and I would find myself with a silly smile on my face.
Van and Livvy weren’t just a couple. They got Mouse and were an adoring and loving family. Even their parents were part of that and it was warming to read about them all.
Van was protective, loving, willing to fight whatever needed to be fought for the ones he loved, and the plus: he was sexy as all heck and played a dang guitar. He also embraced Livvy and Mouse with everything he had.
Livvy was hardworker, nurturing, an outstanding mother and so resilient. She was shy, but also a fighter and being the mama bear she was, she would stop at nothing to protect Mouse, and she had all the help she needed for that.
Mouse/Sammy was just adorable, and I wanted to hug her and sit her on my lap and hear her unending chat about pink, glitter and all things colorful and vibrant about her sweet world.
But life is not easy and sometimes nasty people come back to make your life miserable just because they feel like they have a right to it.
Oh My God, at some point, there was so much angst and fear in the book, my heart was thudding so hard and I was so afraid for them as if I was living that nightmare.
But they fought together. And they didn’t fight alone, because apart from their family, they had an ever bigger one at BAM, and when it comes to family, they all fight hard and they fight to win.
Seeing the old faces being a part of it all, seeing the new faces so enthralling, whatching a part of their beautiful future and with such a poignant and sexy story, I couldn’t help but devour the book. It was a story about family and love beyond blood.
I just hope this is not the end, because I’m not ready to say goodbye.