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Vested Interest #3
Maddox
USA Today Bestselling Series
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?
Maddox
Brought up in chaos and fear, Maddox requires order and control to cope with life.
He has his career and two closest friends. That is all he needs.
Until Dee enters his life.
She brings forth feelings he has denied himself his entire life—and threatens his control.
He wants to hold.
Keep.
Love.
Live.
Damaged by her past, Dee cannot admit her feelings for him, fighting him at every turn.
Is he strong enough to show her—to prove love is worth the risk for both of them?
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?
Maddox
Brought up in chaos and fear, Maddox requires order and control to cope with life.
He has his career and two closest friends. That is all he needs.
Until Dee enters his life.
She brings forth feelings he has denied himself his entire life—and threatens his control.
He wants to hold.
Keep.
Love.
Live.
Damaged by her past, Dee cannot admit her feelings for him, fighting him at every turn.
Is he strong enough to show her—to prove love is worth the risk for both of them?
209 pages, ebook
First published June 13, 2018
1288 people are currently reading
1817 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Moreland
76 books5,476 followersWelcome Romance Readers!
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A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
Join my newsletter for news on upcoming releases and sales CLICK HERE
Make sure to follow me on Amazon for new release alerts CLICK HERE
Join me on Facebook in my reader group CLICK HERE
Check out my excerpts on Verve Romance CLICK HERE
A bit about me:
NYT/WSJ/USAT International bestselling author Melanie Moreland, lives a happy and content life in a quiet area of Ontario with her beloved husband of lots of lovely years and their rescue cat, Amber. Nothing means more to her than her friends and family, and she cherishes every moment spent with them.
While seriously addicted to coffee, and highly challenged with all things computer-related and technical, she relishes baking, cooking, and trying new recipes for people to sample. She loves to throw dinner parties, and also enjoys travelling, but finds coming home is always the best part of any trip.
Melanie loves stories, especially paired with a good wine, and enjoys skydiving (free falling over a fleck of dust) extreme snowboarding (falling down stairs) and piloting her own helicopter (tripping over her own feet.) She's learned happily ever-afters, even bumpy ones, are all in how you tell the story.
Melanie is represented by Flavia Viotti at Bookcase Literary Agency. For any questions regarding subsidiary or translation rights please contact her at flavia@bookcaseagency.com
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August 28, 2019
Maddox is book three in the Vested Interest series by Melanie Moreland. I’ve been so looking forward to Maddox and Dee’s story. This was by far the steamiest of the first three books! And once again, Melanie starts this one out with a prologue that completely slayed me. Just a glimpse into the childhood of our dear Maddox and what made him the man he is today.
Maddox Riley is thirty years old, a couple of years younger than his two partners at BAM, Bentley and Aiden. Maddox is the numbers man of the trio. Numbers are easy to line up, to organize. In his life, his home and his office, Maddox needs to control everything. All is in it’s proper place, just like his numbers. Maddox doesn’t believe in love, in giving anyone else control over him. He learned that lesson the hard way. Maddox is also a bit of a silver fox, prematurely gray. Could he be any sexier?
Deirdre Anne Wilson, (Dee) is the older sister of Cami. Dee spent her life taking care of Cami. They were all each other had. Dee doesn’t believe in love either. She doesn’t feel she’s capable of the romantic kind of love.
When Maddox and Dee first met through Bentley and Emmy, there was an immediate spark, a strong attraction. In time, they gave in to the pull between them with the agreement that it was sex only. That neither of them ever wanted anything more. And give in they did. These two were off the charts hot. They were the exact fit for each other’s needs.
As their relationship progresses, Maddox begins to see the possibility of something more. That maybe it is finally time to let someone in. But would Dee ever feel the same way? I loved how he slowly worked his way around Dee’s boundaries! It was so adorable. But you know what happens just when you start to relax and think you’ve got this. Something from Maddox’s past comes back to haunt him and threatens everything he holds dear.
The Ridge Towers project is moving right along and it’s time to hire an advertising firm. And who do you think enters the picture here?! Melanie Moreland you are so sneaky. The Gavin Group, specifically our beloved Richard VanRyan, comes to Toronto to pitch their campaign. I was swooning all over the place. I love Richard and it was so amazing to get to see him again. He actually plays a pretty important role in this book!
Two other things I loved about this book. First, Aiden is hilarious. He’s happy and relaxed now with Cami. And that man can eat! He is constantly stuffing his face! It was so funny. Also, in every book we are getting to know Sandy better, the den mother so to speak of the group. She’s their administrative assistant but really is so much more. She takes care of these boys like they are her own. She’s the mother none of these men ever had. I love that woman.
Maddox’s book was everything I hoped it would be. I’m loving everything about this series. Next in book four, we get to know the newest addition to this group, Reid. I can’t wait to hear his story and see who he gives his heart to.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
Maddox Riley is thirty years old, a couple of years younger than his two partners at BAM, Bentley and Aiden. Maddox is the numbers man of the trio. Numbers are easy to line up, to organize. In his life, his home and his office, Maddox needs to control everything. All is in it’s proper place, just like his numbers. Maddox doesn’t believe in love, in giving anyone else control over him. He learned that lesson the hard way. Maddox is also a bit of a silver fox, prematurely gray. Could he be any sexier?
Deirdre Anne Wilson, (Dee) is the older sister of Cami. Dee spent her life taking care of Cami. They were all each other had. Dee doesn’t believe in love either. She doesn’t feel she’s capable of the romantic kind of love.
When Maddox and Dee first met through Bentley and Emmy, there was an immediate spark, a strong attraction. In time, they gave in to the pull between them with the agreement that it was sex only. That neither of them ever wanted anything more. And give in they did. These two were off the charts hot. They were the exact fit for each other’s needs.
As their relationship progresses, Maddox begins to see the possibility of something more. That maybe it is finally time to let someone in. But would Dee ever feel the same way? I loved how he slowly worked his way around Dee’s boundaries! It was so adorable. But you know what happens just when you start to relax and think you’ve got this. Something from Maddox’s past comes back to haunt him and threatens everything he holds dear.
The Ridge Towers project is moving right along and it’s time to hire an advertising firm. And who do you think enters the picture here?! Melanie Moreland you are so sneaky. The Gavin Group, specifically our beloved Richard VanRyan, comes to Toronto to pitch their campaign. I was swooning all over the place. I love Richard and it was so amazing to get to see him again. He actually plays a pretty important role in this book!
Two other things I loved about this book. First, Aiden is hilarious. He’s happy and relaxed now with Cami. And that man can eat! He is constantly stuffing his face! It was so funny. Also, in every book we are getting to know Sandy better, the den mother so to speak of the group. She’s their administrative assistant but really is so much more. She takes care of these boys like they are her own. She’s the mother none of these men ever had. I love that woman.
Maddox’s book was everything I hoped it would be. I’m loving everything about this series. Next in book four, we get to know the newest addition to this group, Reid. I can’t wait to hear his story and see who he gives his heart to.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/44036...
December 13, 2018
Safe read.
Very likable heroine, my favorite in this series.
Ok hero. I didn't like the twist - aka poor boy Christian from the '50th land'..., but whatever.
My PERSONAL reading and living preference - I don't like my heroines submissive/control-giving, neither in life nor in the bedroom.
The whole 'control thing' in this story made me skip almost all sex scenes.
Adorable epilogue! The best part of this book!
Very likable heroine, my favorite in this series.
Ok hero. I didn't like the twist - aka poor boy Christian from the '50th land'..., but whatever.
My PERSONAL reading and living preference - I don't like my heroines submissive/control-giving, neither in life nor in the bedroom.
The whole 'control thing' in this story made me skip almost all sex scenes.
Adorable epilogue! The best part of this book!
July 9, 2018
4 I’m Yours Stars!
(ARC provided by author)
Maddox Riley had a tough childhood, but now has built the life he’s always wanted in Toronto. He has an amazing career as the numbers guy for BAM, the company he’s built into an empire with his best friends and business partners Bentley and Aiden. They work in real estate and investment properties, and are quite wealthy. Bentley & Aiden have become his family over the years, and have recently formed a great group of friends. Through these friends he meets Deirdre Wilson. Thrown together by their mutual friendships, they begin spending a lot of time together.
Dee is struggling with being on her own after her sister Cami suddenly marries. Everything has changed and now she’s living alone. The only perk is her new neighbor Maddox living in the same building. He’s a gorgeous man she really enjoys being with. They learned they had a lot in common, and had similar views on sex and relationships. Neither liked to depend on anyone else, and both avoided intimacy. They don’t do romance or love. In their experience love hurts and causes nothing but pain. It has the power to destroy and makes you weak. It works for some, but they both agreed they just weren’t built for it.
Since Maddox & Dee are on the same page they enter into a physical relationship. They both have needs and desires, and decide to explore the intense chemistry between them. Maddox liked to be in control, and he was exactly what Dee wanted in a lover. He was dominant and extremely passionate. They make rules so they can stay detached. Dee doesn’t date or get involved. She’d been burned in the past by love, and never wanted to give a man power over her heart again. Love was overwhelming, dangerous, and could completely ruin you.
The more time Maddox spends with Dee, the more he begins to care. She’s intelligent, sexy, fiercely independent, and alluring. He’s intrigued and drawn to her. Soon they enter into a new arrangement where they are now exclusive friends with benefits. When they come together they are explosive and insatiable. Things were never to be complicated, but then one of them changes the rules and falls in love.
-“I think you’re one of the sexiest men I’ve ever met, Maddox.”
-“Make me forget everything but you.”
-I wanted her to be mine.
-“She’s everything to me.”
I have been dying to finally get Maddox’s story, and he didn’t disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised that my sexy silver fox is a dirty talker. He’s absolutely delicious, and this book was all kinds of hot! I really love this entire series, and I can’t wait for Reid’s book up next!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
getbook.at/Maddox
(ARC provided by author)
Maddox Riley had a tough childhood, but now has built the life he’s always wanted in Toronto. He has an amazing career as the numbers guy for BAM, the company he’s built into an empire with his best friends and business partners Bentley and Aiden. They work in real estate and investment properties, and are quite wealthy. Bentley & Aiden have become his family over the years, and have recently formed a great group of friends. Through these friends he meets Deirdre Wilson. Thrown together by their mutual friendships, they begin spending a lot of time together.
Dee is struggling with being on her own after her sister Cami suddenly marries. Everything has changed and now she’s living alone. The only perk is her new neighbor Maddox living in the same building. He’s a gorgeous man she really enjoys being with. They learned they had a lot in common, and had similar views on sex and relationships. Neither liked to depend on anyone else, and both avoided intimacy. They don’t do romance or love. In their experience love hurts and causes nothing but pain. It has the power to destroy and makes you weak. It works for some, but they both agreed they just weren’t built for it.
Since Maddox & Dee are on the same page they enter into a physical relationship. They both have needs and desires, and decide to explore the intense chemistry between them. Maddox liked to be in control, and he was exactly what Dee wanted in a lover. He was dominant and extremely passionate. They make rules so they can stay detached. Dee doesn’t date or get involved. She’d been burned in the past by love, and never wanted to give a man power over her heart again. Love was overwhelming, dangerous, and could completely ruin you.
The more time Maddox spends with Dee, the more he begins to care. She’s intelligent, sexy, fiercely independent, and alluring. He’s intrigued and drawn to her. Soon they enter into a new arrangement where they are now exclusive friends with benefits. When they come together they are explosive and insatiable. Things were never to be complicated, but then one of them changes the rules and falls in love.
-“I think you’re one of the sexiest men I’ve ever met, Maddox.”
-“Make me forget everything but you.”
-I wanted her to be mine.
-“She’s everything to me.”
I have been dying to finally get Maddox’s story, and he didn’t disappoint. I was pleasantly surprised that my sexy silver fox is a dirty talker. He’s absolutely delicious, and this book was all kinds of hot! I really love this entire series, and I can’t wait for Reid’s book up next!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
getbook.at/Maddox
July 14, 2018
Maddox is the third book in the Vested Interest series. This novel is an amazing addition to the series. I loved it from cover to cover. Just like the others novels, Maddox is a beautiful, hot, unique and a little suspenseful novel. I’m really loving the Vested Interest series! I have fallen in love with every woman and every man. It’s impossible to choose a favorite character so far.
After watching his best friends (Bentley and Aiden) find their happily ever after, it’s time for Maddox to find his. He already knows the woman he wants to have that happily ever after with and her name is Dee. They have been having a kind of friends with benefits relationship. Maddox wants more, but Dee doesn’t. It will take some time before Dee also wants more, but she’s determined to be with Maddox forever after a certain moment. She will fight for him. I adore Maddox and Dee together. They fit so well together.
I love Maddox. He’s smart, controlling, hot, reliable, loving and hardworking. His job and his friends mean everything to him. He would be lonely without them. Maddox hasn’t had much luck in love and he didn’t want a relationship for a long time, until he meets Dee. There is something about her that makes him want her more than he ever wanted someone. Maddox will be patient and caring with Dee. He will fight for her and he will love her so very much.
Dee is hardworking, honest, reliable, caring and a little closed off. Her childhood wasn’t always easy and it has made her who she’s today. She guards her heart and she’s super close to her sister. Maddox makes Dee feels things she never expected to feel and he’s perfect for her. I sometimes felt I didn’t know Dee like I knew Maddox, because the book is particularly told from Maddox’ point of view and Dee can be closed off. But I liked Dee more and more the more the book progressed. I loved watching her becoming more open towards Maddox and watching her fall in love with Maddox.
Maddox shows again the close friendship between Maddox, Bentley and Aiden. I love the friendship between the three men. They know each other so well and so long. When Maddox has some problems, his friends are there for him. Reid is becoming a friend of them. I actually love the friendships between everybody. I just adore the secondary characters! It was great to see that little more of the happily ever afters of the previous couples. Reid’s story is the next novel in the Vested Interest series. I’m so happy that Reid will get his own story. I can’t wait!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
After watching his best friends (Bentley and Aiden) find their happily ever after, it’s time for Maddox to find his. He already knows the woman he wants to have that happily ever after with and her name is Dee. They have been having a kind of friends with benefits relationship. Maddox wants more, but Dee doesn’t. It will take some time before Dee also wants more, but she’s determined to be with Maddox forever after a certain moment. She will fight for him. I adore Maddox and Dee together. They fit so well together.
I love Maddox. He’s smart, controlling, hot, reliable, loving and hardworking. His job and his friends mean everything to him. He would be lonely without them. Maddox hasn’t had much luck in love and he didn’t want a relationship for a long time, until he meets Dee. There is something about her that makes him want her more than he ever wanted someone. Maddox will be patient and caring with Dee. He will fight for her and he will love her so very much.
Dee is hardworking, honest, reliable, caring and a little closed off. Her childhood wasn’t always easy and it has made her who she’s today. She guards her heart and she’s super close to her sister. Maddox makes Dee feels things she never expected to feel and he’s perfect for her. I sometimes felt I didn’t know Dee like I knew Maddox, because the book is particularly told from Maddox’ point of view and Dee can be closed off. But I liked Dee more and more the more the book progressed. I loved watching her becoming more open towards Maddox and watching her fall in love with Maddox.
Maddox shows again the close friendship between Maddox, Bentley and Aiden. I love the friendship between the three men. They know each other so well and so long. When Maddox has some problems, his friends are there for him. Reid is becoming a friend of them. I actually love the friendships between everybody. I just adore the secondary characters! It was great to see that little more of the happily ever afters of the previous couples. Reid’s story is the next novel in the Vested Interest series. I’m so happy that Reid will get his own story. I can’t wait!
-- My honest review is based on an advanced reader copy of this book. --
July 28, 2018
Favorite Quotes:
"I don’t date,” she insisted, stubborn as a child being told something they didn’t want to hear. I scrubbed my face. “I hate to break it to you, my lovely. We’ve been dating the past few months.” She sat up, clutching a pillow in front of her like a talisman. “We have not!” I sat up as well, grabbing her shoulders. “Listen to me. We’ve been having dinner, meeting with our friends, talking on the phone, texting. Having sex.” I dropped my voice. “Amazing, crazy sex. Neither of us is seeing anyone else… Whether you like it or not, we’re in an exclusive relationship.” She gaped at me, making me laugh.
“If I have to beat you for this, Mad Dog, I will—but I’ll try to be gentle.” “Whatever,” I snorted. “I can take you, big man.” “You think so? I could snap you like a twig.” “I’ll throw a couple of lemon Danish at you and run. You’ll be so busy trying to catch them, I’ll be fine.”
… he was such a pretentious asshole. He makes Bentley look like a laid-back hippie. The pole he has shoved up his backside must tickle his throat.
My Review:
This series has become one of my favorites to date - I’m intrigued by this endearing and bossy group of successful entrepreneurs who had met and became best friends during their college years. Each had suffered a traumatic past with no desire for a serious relationship, until one-by-one, the mighty fell, and I so enjoyed watching them tumble. The three friends, having each miraculously paired off, were assisting Bentley and Emmy in wedding preparations, with cleverly amusing results. The character of Maddox was happily settling into his first satisfying relationship when an unpleasant part of his past places everything he had worked for at risk and proved to be a sticky thorn to dislodge. Written from my favorite dual POV, the storylines were entertaining, amusing, and quite erotic. Maddox was a salacious and sensual read with breath-stealing scenes that left me gasping and seeking cool hydration. Clutch the pearls; this lascivious couple was scorching the sheets with reams of bawdy talk. I relished the humor, ease, and supportive nature of this colorful and vibrant collection of curiously alluring personalities, and eagerly anticipate equally entertaining tales of their expanding circle of friends and employees.
"I don’t date,” she insisted, stubborn as a child being told something they didn’t want to hear. I scrubbed my face. “I hate to break it to you, my lovely. We’ve been dating the past few months.” She sat up, clutching a pillow in front of her like a talisman. “We have not!” I sat up as well, grabbing her shoulders. “Listen to me. We’ve been having dinner, meeting with our friends, talking on the phone, texting. Having sex.” I dropped my voice. “Amazing, crazy sex. Neither of us is seeing anyone else… Whether you like it or not, we’re in an exclusive relationship.” She gaped at me, making me laugh.
“If I have to beat you for this, Mad Dog, I will—but I’ll try to be gentle.” “Whatever,” I snorted. “I can take you, big man.” “You think so? I could snap you like a twig.” “I’ll throw a couple of lemon Danish at you and run. You’ll be so busy trying to catch them, I’ll be fine.”
… he was such a pretentious asshole. He makes Bentley look like a laid-back hippie. The pole he has shoved up his backside must tickle his throat.
My Review:
This series has become one of my favorites to date - I’m intrigued by this endearing and bossy group of successful entrepreneurs who had met and became best friends during their college years. Each had suffered a traumatic past with no desire for a serious relationship, until one-by-one, the mighty fell, and I so enjoyed watching them tumble. The three friends, having each miraculously paired off, were assisting Bentley and Emmy in wedding preparations, with cleverly amusing results. The character of Maddox was happily settling into his first satisfying relationship when an unpleasant part of his past places everything he had worked for at risk and proved to be a sticky thorn to dislodge. Written from my favorite dual POV, the storylines were entertaining, amusing, and quite erotic. Maddox was a salacious and sensual read with breath-stealing scenes that left me gasping and seeking cool hydration. Clutch the pearls; this lascivious couple was scorching the sheets with reams of bawdy talk. I relished the humor, ease, and supportive nature of this colorful and vibrant collection of curiously alluring personalities, and eagerly anticipate equally entertaining tales of their expanding circle of friends and employees.
March 25, 2024
Before I rant…
2.5 stars for seeing Bentley, Emmy, Reid, Becca and Aiden (though I didn’t read his book cause I dont like him as anything but a side character). ❤️
I enjoyed seeing the characters lives progress but as far as everything else this book was super weak and disappointing.
‼️OWD GALORE……
OW blackmailing him with pictures and video of a past BDSM sexual encounter they had. He was in college and it was a time he was exploring and he was very ashamed of what happened w OW.
So…….
We got this story of him having sex with the OW no less than 4x!!! 4… in detail. It’s the scene she is blackmailing him with. It was years before possibly even 8-10 BUT since the whole freaking book is him reliving his sexual encounters with her and MORE time was spent on this OW than the h it reeked of being unsafe even though it is TECHNICALLY safe.
‼️This WHOLE book (ok not all of it but a huge chunk) is about a detailed scene of him fucking this OW!!! I’m sorry but NONONE wants to recount OVER AND OVER a sex scene the H had w OW. 🤮
I don’t care that he regrets now. Not when the author won’t leave it be.
‼️He will willing to leave the h and planned to. I hate that with my H. He should be fighting not falling into defeat the second they hit a bump in the road.
‼️This couple just seemed like sex they really didn’t have much else going on infact they only slept in a bed together a few time ms and then the very end. He would always leave after. In the very beginning I thought maybe they it would build up more but then the OWD started and their relationship got derailed cause he pushed the H away. So we don’t get to see anything but sex between them for the most part of this book. Then BAM they are moving on and getting engaged and Epilogue.
‼️Safe w exception
-No current sex w OW but plenty of past sexual recounting over and over
-a few meetings with OW
-No OM
-No condoms
-No recent history of either
-h had regular sexual encounters in her past.
-H had regular hookups in his past
-No confirmation of him being celibate from meeting only that they were only with each other once they started sleeping together. It was months from meeting to them having sex so we don’t know if he was celibate but we DO know she WAS.
-He was the only one in her bed EVER….
SHE WAS NOT the only one in his bed 🤢
-He needs control in the bedroom
-Minor BDSM stuff
🙄Ugh this was just unsettling for me.
I enjoyed book 1 & 4 in this series cause they were sooooo sweet and had no OW.
But this one was so just gross and felt very unsafe.
I wanted more from Maddox but his character came across as a beta bitch who was weak. We are ment to believe he likes control and he is all alpha but he wasn’t.
‼️ A huge chunk of this book focused on office drama (which I liked) and OWD. Not a lot of focus on the H and h. Not very romantic and def not as much as some others in this series.
I DID like the very beginning and though it started out good I just wish it would have stayed that way.
‼️Dee is the most unlikeable and un-relatable h EVER. Shes either a sex kitten or a dry piece of toast or a stupid closed off bitch. She is so so so stupid her issues were dumb and over exaggerated.
❤️on a good note: when the couple was together I did think the hero had some very sweet swoony moments ❤️
‼️So much repetitive rehashing of everything.
2.5 stars for seeing Bentley, Emmy, Reid, Becca and Aiden (though I didn’t read his book cause I dont like him as anything but a side character). ❤️
I enjoyed seeing the characters lives progress but as far as everything else this book was super weak and disappointing.
‼️OWD GALORE……
OW blackmailing him with pictures and video of a past BDSM sexual encounter they had. He was in college and it was a time he was exploring and he was very ashamed of what happened w OW.
So…….
We got this story of him having sex with the OW no less than 4x!!! 4… in detail. It’s the scene she is blackmailing him with. It was years before possibly even 8-10 BUT since the whole freaking book is him reliving his sexual encounters with her and MORE time was spent on this OW than the h it reeked of being unsafe even though it is TECHNICALLY safe.
‼️This WHOLE book (ok not all of it but a huge chunk) is about a detailed scene of him fucking this OW!!! I’m sorry but NONONE wants to recount OVER AND OVER a sex scene the H had w OW. 🤮
I don’t care that he regrets now. Not when the author won’t leave it be.
‼️He will willing to leave the h and planned to. I hate that with my H. He should be fighting not falling into defeat the second they hit a bump in the road.
‼️This couple just seemed like sex they really didn’t have much else going on infact they only slept in a bed together a few time ms and then the very end. He would always leave after. In the very beginning I thought maybe they it would build up more but then the OWD started and their relationship got derailed cause he pushed the H away. So we don’t get to see anything but sex between them for the most part of this book. Then BAM they are moving on and getting engaged and Epilogue.
‼️Safe w exception
-No current sex w OW but plenty of past sexual recounting over and over
-a few meetings with OW
-No OM
-No condoms
-No recent history of either
-h had regular sexual encounters in her past.
-H had regular hookups in his past
-No confirmation of him being celibate from meeting only that they were only with each other once they started sleeping together. It was months from meeting to them having sex so we don’t know if he was celibate but we DO know she WAS.
-He was the only one in her bed EVER….
SHE WAS NOT the only one in his bed 🤢
-He needs control in the bedroom
-Minor BDSM stuff
🙄Ugh this was just unsettling for me.
I enjoyed book 1 & 4 in this series cause they were sooooo sweet and had no OW.
But this one was so just gross and felt very unsafe.
I wanted more from Maddox but his character came across as a beta bitch who was weak. We are ment to believe he likes control and he is all alpha but he wasn’t.
‼️ A huge chunk of this book focused on office drama (which I liked) and OWD. Not a lot of focus on the H and h. Not very romantic and def not as much as some others in this series.
I DID like the very beginning and though it started out good I just wish it would have stayed that way.
‼️Dee is the most unlikeable and un-relatable h EVER. Shes either a sex kitten or a dry piece of toast or a stupid closed off bitch. She is so so so stupid her issues were dumb and over exaggerated.
❤️on a good note: when the couple was together I did think the hero had some very sweet swoony moments ❤️
‼️So much repetitive rehashing of everything.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2018
“All you have to do is ask.”
“All you have to do is take.”
Right, let’s get one thing straight. Maddox = MINE. I mean, I claimed him way, back when, and now I’ve read his story, I’ve even more obsessed with him. Even more in love with him.
Even more in love with this series, TBH.
Melanie Moreland, I don’t even know what to say. I begged, pleaded and made doe-eyes at her until she let me get my hands on Maddox early, and whoa, I am not sorry I behaved that way at all. I was verily glued to the pages of my Kindle with this book. Addicted and in love and with my adrenaline pumping. Every time the man uttered “Deirdre,” I felt a dizzying sense of need. Of want.
This is another tense, sexy (read: really freakin’ sexy, because MY Maddox has a mouth on him, oh, yes he does) and touching read. With throwback glimpses of our favorite Moreland Men, swoony words and those signature blood-pumping, thigh-clenching moments, Maddox has heat and heart. In equal measure.
It’s the balance between the two—along with the humor of these BAM men added in for good measure—that makes this book the perfect way to wrap with the first part of this series.
What’s that? The FIRST part? *Nods emphatically* Yes, because I refuse to believe this series is over.
Just like I refuse to believe that Maddox Riley belongs to anyone but me.
“Be brave with me, Deirdre. I promise I won’t let you down.”
~ SIX Silver Fox STARS ~
“All you have to do is take.”
Right, let’s get one thing straight. Maddox = MINE. I mean, I claimed him way, back when, and now I’ve read his story, I’ve even more obsessed with him. Even more in love with him.
Even more in love with this series, TBH.
Melanie Moreland, I don’t even know what to say. I begged, pleaded and made doe-eyes at her until she let me get my hands on Maddox early, and whoa, I am not sorry I behaved that way at all. I was verily glued to the pages of my Kindle with this book. Addicted and in love and with my adrenaline pumping. Every time the man uttered “Deirdre,” I felt a dizzying sense of need. Of want.
This is another tense, sexy (read: really freakin’ sexy, because MY Maddox has a mouth on him, oh, yes he does) and touching read. With throwback glimpses of our favorite Moreland Men, swoony words and those signature blood-pumping, thigh-clenching moments, Maddox has heat and heart. In equal measure.
It’s the balance between the two—along with the humor of these BAM men added in for good measure—that makes this book the perfect way to wrap with the first part of this series.
What’s that? The FIRST part? *Nods emphatically* Yes, because I refuse to believe this series is over.
Just like I refuse to believe that Maddox Riley belongs to anyone but me.
“Be brave with me, Deirdre. I promise I won’t let you down.”
~ SIX Silver Fox STARS ~
November 10, 2018
Cheesy! But good cheesy. The sex scenes are too much. Too unnecessary. At certain point i got bored. The conflict is forced. I think this book is meant only for sex then the author forced conflict in the middle. Short and unbelievable conflict. Does not fit. The attraction between De anf maddox is also inconvincing.
I give 3 stars in credit for thr steamy sex.
3 stars
I give 3 stars in credit for thr steamy sex.
3 stars
July 9, 2018
Cute epilogue.
June 27, 2018
Melanie Moreland brings us Maddox and Dee’s story with the third in her Vested Interest series and, having been been fed little morsels of them together in Bentley and Aiden, I was looking forward for the floor being all theirs.
Some would say the best sex is with someone you love.”
“Well, we prove them wrong, don’t we?”
Once again Moreland has brought her reader a story with romance, twists, drama and a wonderfully flawed couple who set the pages alight with their chemistry. Strong, independent and driven, Dee has forged her way through the hands life has dealt her, but when it comes to Maddox, with his loyal, trusting nature and dirty-talking alpha tendencies, she is more than happy to relinquish her need for control.
When I’m with you, you take over. I don’t have to think. Only feel.”
I can’t deny that this took a little more getting into, largely because Maddox and Dee are like bunnies at first, but as the story unfolds, with the lines between loveless sex and true feeling beginning to blur, along with the introduction of Maddox’s new BFF and my favourite Moreland-man, Richard VanRyan, banter between the guys and the twists and turns in events, everything knit together to create a strong and worthwhile finale to not only Maddox’s story, but also Aiden and Bentley’s.
Without support, we can never truly heal.”
And with the most perfect of epilogues, the icing on the cake is potentially more from these men with everything leading nicely into Reid’s story later this year.
Copy received courtesy of Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Some would say the best sex is with someone you love.”“Well, we prove them wrong, don’t we?”
Once again Moreland has brought her reader a story with romance, twists, drama and a wonderfully flawed couple who set the pages alight with their chemistry. Strong, independent and driven, Dee has forged her way through the hands life has dealt her, but when it comes to Maddox, with his loyal, trusting nature and dirty-talking alpha tendencies, she is more than happy to relinquish her need for control.
When I’m with you, you take over. I don’t have to think. Only feel.”
I can’t deny that this took a little more getting into, largely because Maddox and Dee are like bunnies at first, but as the story unfolds, with the lines between loveless sex and true feeling beginning to blur, along with the introduction of Maddox’s new BFF and my favourite Moreland-man, Richard VanRyan, banter between the guys and the twists and turns in events, everything knit together to create a strong and worthwhile finale to not only Maddox’s story, but also Aiden and Bentley’s.
Without support, we can never truly heal.”
And with the most perfect of epilogues, the icing on the cake is potentially more from these men with everything leading nicely into Reid’s story later this year.
Copy received courtesy of Enticing Journey Book Promotions for an honest and unbiased opinion.
November 14, 2019
Audiobook: Narrators - John Lane and Maxine Mitchell
Great representation of the characters. Each very distinctive, especially those BAM boys. I enjoyed listening to this and Mr. Lane’s voice is absolute perfection!
I loved getting Maddox’s full story. His past has left him with the need to be in control. He is also unlikely to give into emotions, except perhaps where Aiden and Bentley are concerned. But Dee sneaks into his life and eventually his heart and while he promised a friends with benefits type of arrangement to begin with, he’s soon trying to wriggle himself out of that and into something more with her.
This was an especially steamy read as compared to the previous two books, but it was perfect considering the relationship this couple initially agreed upon. I did feel that Dee’s character changed a bit out of character from how she was portrayed in the first two books, but I’m a lenient reader and just rolled with the flow.
The drama here is a combination of outside forces as well as the relationship between Maddox and Dee. They each have much to over come and watching them struggle to get to a good place was often heartbreaking, but the ending was absolutely beautiful.
With the addition of the fun times between the BAM boys, the intense chemistry between this couple and the additional suspense and drama this kept me fully engaged.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Great representation of the characters. Each very distinctive, especially those BAM boys. I enjoyed listening to this and Mr. Lane’s voice is absolute perfection!
I loved getting Maddox’s full story. His past has left him with the need to be in control. He is also unlikely to give into emotions, except perhaps where Aiden and Bentley are concerned. But Dee sneaks into his life and eventually his heart and while he promised a friends with benefits type of arrangement to begin with, he’s soon trying to wriggle himself out of that and into something more with her.
This was an especially steamy read as compared to the previous two books, but it was perfect considering the relationship this couple initially agreed upon. I did feel that Dee’s character changed a bit out of character from how she was portrayed in the first two books, but I’m a lenient reader and just rolled with the flow.
The drama here is a combination of outside forces as well as the relationship between Maddox and Dee. They each have much to over come and watching them struggle to get to a good place was often heartbreaking, but the ending was absolutely beautiful.
With the addition of the fun times between the BAM boys, the intense chemistry between this couple and the additional suspense and drama this kept me fully engaged.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 21, 2025
UPDATED: It's just a quick, easy little listen. Nothing to stress you out. The reason this gets 4 stars is because of all the sex, I love Maddox, the hot audio, and the adorable epilogue. The plot itself is the same one in Aiden's book, except switched. Maddox is the one in love and Dee is the one who doesn't want a relationship.
Maddox Riley (30, BAM accountant) has sworn off relationships and love because of his "past". Lucky for him, Deirdre Wilson (33, lawyer, sister to Cami) feels the same way. They get along really well, but the best thing is the sexual chemistry between them that sets couches on fire.
Maddox realizes pretty quickly that he's fallen in love with Dee, unfortunately, she refuses to be convinced.
When Maddox ends up being blackmailed by someone from his past, he has a choice to make - confide in his friends and find a solution - or run away.
When Maddox confesses his love to Dee, she has a choice to make - accept her feelings or break his heart.
Then Maddox is injured, and it puts everything into perspective for Dee.
SEX: I think all the sex is why this scored so highly. First time at 7% and of course it's with a condom. Thankfully, they stop using them by the second or third time. I think this has the most sex out of all the books and it's also the best. The audio is soooooo delicious and I def recommend you listen.
MADDOX: I love him. Enough said. I was pretty shocked by the blackmail. That kept things interesting.
DEE: Not a fan. I get why she was hesitant, but at some point, you have to grow up.
AUDIO: Still highly recommended. John Lane has his sexy growl, so he's worth it, despite Maxine Mitchell narrating as Dee.
EPILOGUE: OMG it's soooo adorable. It's the kind of epilogue I want.
I couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with Deirdre Wilson. Thrown together by mutual friendships, I was drawn to her intellect, enjoyed her quiet wit, and I respected her intense drive. Neither of us wanted to depend on another person for anything.
Maddox Riley (30, BAM accountant) has sworn off relationships and love because of his "past". Lucky for him, Deirdre Wilson (33, lawyer, sister to Cami) feels the same way. They get along really well, but the best thing is the sexual chemistry between them that sets couches on fire.
“Listen to me.... You are incredibly beautiful and sexy.... I’m going to fuck you so hard you’ll forget your name. You’ll forget everything but me and my cock inside you. I’m going to fuck you until you believe how beautiful you are... and you know who you belong to..”
Maddox realizes pretty quickly that he's fallen in love with Dee, unfortunately, she refuses to be convinced.
When Maddox ends up being blackmailed by someone from his past, he has a choice to make - confide in his friends and find a solution - or run away.
To the outside world, we were the same: cool, calm, and collected. Detached. When we came together, alone, things changed. We were relentless. Explosive and insatiable. She fucked with my control. I fucked her to get it back. That was our game. It always had been. Until one of us changed the rules and fell in love.
When Maddox confesses his love to Dee, she has a choice to make - accept her feelings or break his heart.
Emotion I never thought I would experience burst from my heart. Words I never thought I would express to another person fell from my lips. “I love you.”
Then Maddox is injured, and it puts everything into perspective for Dee.
“It’s a promise, isn’t it? One made out in the open for all to hear. A promise between two people who love each other. The promise of being together. Loving each other, supporting each other, no matter what. Being that person the other can depend on.... A written, spoken vow of love.”
SEX: I think all the sex is why this scored so highly. First time at 7% and of course it's with a condom. Thankfully, they stop using them by the second or third time. I think this has the most sex out of all the books and it's also the best. The audio is soooooo delicious and I def recommend you listen.
MADDOX: I love him. Enough said. I was pretty shocked by the blackmail. That kept things interesting.
DEE: Not a fan. I get why she was hesitant, but at some point, you have to grow up.
AUDIO: Still highly recommended. John Lane has his sexy growl, so he's worth it, despite Maxine Mitchell narrating as Dee.
EPILOGUE: OMG it's soooo adorable. It's the kind of epilogue I want.
May 28, 2021
I’m really enjoying this series. The friendship between the BAM guys is great and the friendship between the girls Emmy, Dee & Cami is wonderful.
It did take me just a bit to get into this story about Maddox and Dee’s relationship. Dee was a bit of an odd character for me and I had a hard time relating to her. Maddox was great. His quiet dominance was really appealing and made him super sexy.
Once I understood that Dee was struggling with her sister Cami’s sudden marriage and absence from her day to day life it helped me better comprehend some of her behavior.
This book, like the others in this series so far has twists, drama, laughs and very sexy moments that did end up keeping me engaged from start to finish. It also has a really good epilogue into the future a few years out.
It did take me just a bit to get into this story about Maddox and Dee’s relationship. Dee was a bit of an odd character for me and I had a hard time relating to her. Maddox was great. His quiet dominance was really appealing and made him super sexy.
Once I understood that Dee was struggling with her sister Cami’s sudden marriage and absence from her day to day life it helped me better comprehend some of her behavior.
This book, like the others in this series so far has twists, drama, laughs and very sexy moments that did end up keeping me engaged from start to finish. It also has a really good epilogue into the future a few years out.
June 17, 2018
Five hot, sensual, dirty talking Stars!!
*****
I have to start out by saying, I am in love. No exclamation needed. It’s a simple fact. I’m in love with Maddox and the richness of the character that Melanie Moreland has created in her latest installment of her Vested Interest series. I’m in love with Maddox Riley and his past, his present and the possible future I see laying before him with each word I read and each page I turn. A man who is so imperfect, yet so willing to deal with his imperfections you can’t help but fall head over heels, plunging down a narrow crevasse, in love. And through your love of this character, you, the reader, are vested in Maddox, the men of BAM and the Vested Interest series by Melanie Moreland.
Melanie has given us some of her greatest writing in Maddox. You learn through her main character Maddox Riley, that life comes at you from all different angles and at different speeds. That anyone who says they’ve walked through life without making mistakes, without facing adversity, without a possible “life altering” experience, is lying. What it all comes down to is how a person “copes.” To understand our main character Maddox, you have to understand his past. Turbulent, cruel, and almost always spiraling out of his control. In other words, a very nasty father. But he did experience love from a mother who read to him and held him close who died when he was very young. That love is still there, hidden deep within him. Now grown, Maddox struggles with the necessary control to maintain the order that gives him a desperate kind of peace.
Through his friends/business partners/quasi-family, Maddox meets Dierdre Wilson (Dee for short). A soulmate that matches his cool, controlling exterior. Dee is professional and polished. She had a difficult childhood, but was always there for her younger sister, Cami, who is now married to Aiden, a close friend and one of two business partners to Maddox. Dee was burned badly by a “love” relationship when she was younger. Both Maddox and Dee have learned that love has the power to hurt, so both have sworn off ever wanting a commitment, a marriage, a relationship, love. They have become “friends with benefits” with some of the hottest, steamiest, catch your breath, swoon-worthy sex two characters can have. (Wow Melanie…..where does this writing come from? You had me fanning my almost faint heart, trying to catch my breath, it was so hot and sensual!!!) You see, our Maddox is a bit dirty talking when it comes to his “friends with benefits’ partner, Dee. But as they start to spend more time with each other, something wonderful happens. They enjoy being with one another. Each fills a void that neither knew they had in their all too rigid life. A relationship develops….feelings begin. Yes, there are definite difficulties to overcome. Some seem insurmountable, but with the help of their friends (and a surprise visit of a character from one of my all-time favorite books, a character I fell in love with years ago ….from another book of Melanie Moreland’s), both Maddox and Dee find their way. Together. We should all be so lucky to have these kind of friends in our lives!
Melanie Moreland is clever. You think “Vested Interest” is simply the name of a series she is writing. Wrong. You, as the reader are the vested interest. Melanie draws the reader into the lives of each of her characters, makes you walk their path and pulls you into the depth of their turbulent feelings as each struggles to understand their past and move forward to their future. And you simply can’t walk away. You are hooked into this series and have a vested interest in knowing about Maddox, and Aiden and Bentley (and do I need to add Dee, Cami and Emmy?). As you read Maddox (and hopefully Bentley and Aiden), you have become a part of BAM along with each of her characters. What a wonderful thing to be vested in!
Thank you Melanie for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
*****
I have to start out by saying, I am in love. No exclamation needed. It’s a simple fact. I’m in love with Maddox and the richness of the character that Melanie Moreland has created in her latest installment of her Vested Interest series. I’m in love with Maddox Riley and his past, his present and the possible future I see laying before him with each word I read and each page I turn. A man who is so imperfect, yet so willing to deal with his imperfections you can’t help but fall head over heels, plunging down a narrow crevasse, in love. And through your love of this character, you, the reader, are vested in Maddox, the men of BAM and the Vested Interest series by Melanie Moreland.
Melanie has given us some of her greatest writing in Maddox. You learn through her main character Maddox Riley, that life comes at you from all different angles and at different speeds. That anyone who says they’ve walked through life without making mistakes, without facing adversity, without a possible “life altering” experience, is lying. What it all comes down to is how a person “copes.” To understand our main character Maddox, you have to understand his past. Turbulent, cruel, and almost always spiraling out of his control. In other words, a very nasty father. But he did experience love from a mother who read to him and held him close who died when he was very young. That love is still there, hidden deep within him. Now grown, Maddox struggles with the necessary control to maintain the order that gives him a desperate kind of peace.
Through his friends/business partners/quasi-family, Maddox meets Dierdre Wilson (Dee for short). A soulmate that matches his cool, controlling exterior. Dee is professional and polished. She had a difficult childhood, but was always there for her younger sister, Cami, who is now married to Aiden, a close friend and one of two business partners to Maddox. Dee was burned badly by a “love” relationship when she was younger. Both Maddox and Dee have learned that love has the power to hurt, so both have sworn off ever wanting a commitment, a marriage, a relationship, love. They have become “friends with benefits” with some of the hottest, steamiest, catch your breath, swoon-worthy sex two characters can have. (Wow Melanie…..where does this writing come from? You had me fanning my almost faint heart, trying to catch my breath, it was so hot and sensual!!!) You see, our Maddox is a bit dirty talking when it comes to his “friends with benefits’ partner, Dee. But as they start to spend more time with each other, something wonderful happens. They enjoy being with one another. Each fills a void that neither knew they had in their all too rigid life. A relationship develops….feelings begin. Yes, there are definite difficulties to overcome. Some seem insurmountable, but with the help of their friends (and a surprise visit of a character from one of my all-time favorite books, a character I fell in love with years ago ….from another book of Melanie Moreland’s), both Maddox and Dee find their way. Together. We should all be so lucky to have these kind of friends in our lives!
Melanie Moreland is clever. You think “Vested Interest” is simply the name of a series she is writing. Wrong. You, as the reader are the vested interest. Melanie draws the reader into the lives of each of her characters, makes you walk their path and pulls you into the depth of their turbulent feelings as each struggles to understand their past and move forward to their future. And you simply can’t walk away. You are hooked into this series and have a vested interest in knowing about Maddox, and Aiden and Bentley (and do I need to add Dee, Cami and Emmy?). As you read Maddox (and hopefully Bentley and Aiden), you have become a part of BAM along with each of her characters. What a wonderful thing to be vested in!
Thank you Melanie for this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review!!!
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
October 27, 2019
Just when you think Melanie Moreland can't top the last book, she delivers Maddox. This story delivers the perfect dirty talking, alpha man who has the patience to win the heart of the one who snuck in. As much as it pains me to type this...
Maddox IS the perfect ending in the three men's stories. It's been amazing reading this series unfold, but Maddox is the perfect topper. (No, this does not mean I am giving up Aiden as my #1 BBF).
From the start of the series, Maddox has been the dark horse. The one that we didn't know nearly enough about but yearned to. From the prologue opening, we learn his humble beginnings that mold him into the man we meet today. He is driven and forthright. Dee certainly knows where she stands with him. Even from their bookstore met up (right how can you not love him), they know they are destined to be friends because of circumstances. But what if those circumstances become more? What stands in the way of wanting that 'more'?
He commands and controls the reader with Dee in every turn of the page in finding his happily ever after. He knows what he wants (OMG when he asks for it? thigh clenching) and knows what he needs to get it. He is loyal and fierce friend that comes out even when he needs a little push.
Melanie Moreland has a grip on her characters and weaves her storytelling to a finish in one day sitting. She knows what drives them and takes the reader in amazing places that you can't help but enjoy. I can't believe this is the end of the series because there is so much more I want to learn.
Warning: epilogue may cause heavy swooning and ovary bursting.
Maddox IS the perfect ending in the three men's stories. It's been amazing reading this series unfold, but Maddox is the perfect topper. (No, this does not mean I am giving up Aiden as my #1 BBF).
From the start of the series, Maddox has been the dark horse. The one that we didn't know nearly enough about but yearned to. From the prologue opening, we learn his humble beginnings that mold him into the man we meet today. He is driven and forthright. Dee certainly knows where she stands with him. Even from their bookstore met up (right how can you not love him), they know they are destined to be friends because of circumstances. But what if those circumstances become more? What stands in the way of wanting that 'more'?
He commands and controls the reader with Dee in every turn of the page in finding his happily ever after. He knows what he wants (OMG when he asks for it? thigh clenching) and knows what he needs to get it. He is loyal and fierce friend that comes out even when he needs a little push.
Melanie Moreland has a grip on her characters and weaves her storytelling to a finish in one day sitting. She knows what drives them and takes the reader in amazing places that you can't help but enjoy. I can't believe this is the end of the series because there is so much more I want to learn.
Warning: epilogue may cause heavy swooning and ovary bursting.
June 22, 2018
***4.5 ‘#TeamMadDog’ Stars***
I have to say that each book just keeps getting better and better and as of right now, Maddox is my favorite for a variety of reasons, but this one had it all...the FEELS, ALL THE FEELS, a ton of I need a cold shower/my B.O.B. smexy times and a nice little dash of craycray to keep me on my toes and keep turning the pages until the very end ~ which only served to make me want more!
Maddox. I kinda adore this man. He’s comes across as all kinds of in control and self contained, because he actually is, but he’s not cold. He has a huge heart, which is a little battered, but he is very picky as to who he shares the various pieces of himself with and if you are one of the lucky ones, he doesn’t hold back.
Dee. I adored her, I did, because her heart is so golden. She is a natural nurturer and wants all those around her to be...maybe not happy, but content. She is strong, intelligent and sassy and I loved how honest she was with herself and others. But she also has some pretty heavy duty blinders on that, while I empathized, I also wanted to reach out smash them to bits.
Maddox and Dee’s journey was an interesting one. But how couldn’t it be when two people who have sworn to never fall in love collide and find that they are pretty well suited for each other on every level? These two saw who the other was beyond the surface and the intense sexual attraction ~ which was O.M.G. HAWT! ~ and found the person who’d give them a swift kick in the arse but also a soft and safe place to land when needed. The big ‘ole sink hole in their journey was a mix of ‘I saw that coming’ and ‘WTF?!?!’ but the way things worked out was perfect for them.
Outside of Mad and Dee, what made this book a lot of fun for me was the family dynamic amongst all the characters. It was always there, but it’s evolved and gotten stronger ~ not just with the three couples, but Sandy and Reid as well ~ and how it came out in full force when the craycray went down ~ it really was the whip cream on the top of the hot fudge sundae. The cherries though, were Richard and Jen, I loved them and that little extra they brought to the story. And, speaking of Reid *BSEG*...well, I won’t speak, but I’m. So. Excited!!!
~ Copy provided via Panda and Boodle & voluntarily reviewed ~
I have to say that each book just keeps getting better and better and as of right now, Maddox is my favorite for a variety of reasons, but this one had it all...the FEELS, ALL THE FEELS, a ton of I need a cold shower/my B.O.B. smexy times and a nice little dash of craycray to keep me on my toes and keep turning the pages until the very end ~ which only served to make me want more!
Maddox. I kinda adore this man. He’s comes across as all kinds of in control and self contained, because he actually is, but he’s not cold. He has a huge heart, which is a little battered, but he is very picky as to who he shares the various pieces of himself with and if you are one of the lucky ones, he doesn’t hold back.
Dee. I adored her, I did, because her heart is so golden. She is a natural nurturer and wants all those around her to be...maybe not happy, but content. She is strong, intelligent and sassy and I loved how honest she was with herself and others. But she also has some pretty heavy duty blinders on that, while I empathized, I also wanted to reach out smash them to bits.
Maddox and Dee’s journey was an interesting one. But how couldn’t it be when two people who have sworn to never fall in love collide and find that they are pretty well suited for each other on every level? These two saw who the other was beyond the surface and the intense sexual attraction ~ which was O.M.G. HAWT! ~ and found the person who’d give them a swift kick in the arse but also a soft and safe place to land when needed. The big ‘ole sink hole in their journey was a mix of ‘I saw that coming’ and ‘WTF?!?!’ but the way things worked out was perfect for them.
Outside of Mad and Dee, what made this book a lot of fun for me was the family dynamic amongst all the characters. It was always there, but it’s evolved and gotten stronger ~ not just with the three couples, but Sandy and Reid as well ~ and how it came out in full force when the craycray went down ~ it really was the whip cream on the top of the hot fudge sundae. The cherries though, were Richard and Jen, I loved them and that little extra they brought to the story. And, speaking of Reid *BSEG*...well, I won’t speak, but I’m. So. Excited!!!
~ Copy provided via Panda and Boodle & voluntarily reviewed ~
December 16, 2023
Ps. Poor Jill, I empathize. This woman just wanted to be a homeowner. In this economy, I completely understand.
Maddox honestly could have just just bought her a house lol. He has the means, ya know...
Review:
2.5! Nearly 3 stars.
Wow, who knew this author was capable of writing DECENT sexual chemistry!
Not me after listening to the first 2 books of this series...
If i had given up after those first 2 books, I would have missed out on this.
I enjoyed Maddox and Dee's stories. Like I said, this author knows how to do chemistry, I guess she had selective amnesia during the beginning of the series, and remembered how to, just in time to write this book.
Things I didn't enjoy:
1.
I don't know why romance authors feel the need to make a big deal out of female character's ages when they dare to be at least 10 minutes older than the hero...
Dee is 3 years older than Maddox, but for some reason, this was worth mentioning in a way that makes it feel like she's 30 years older than him...
Peculiar...
If Maddox was the one 3 years older than her, it would not have been mentioned in that way at all.
2.
Also, I think this would have been a 3.5 stars if we didn't have Dee's POV at all.
We didn't need it frankly.
The story's pace and vibe suffered because the author added the heroine's POV...
3.
The baby-filled epilogue.
I don't like children, don't care for them. And this epilogue was just written to show me how every heroine in the series is now all barefoot and pregnant...
I would have much preferred an epilogue about Maddox and Dee enjoying their life together and having hot sex.
4.
And lastly, I think Dee's miracle magical therapist came out of nowhere just to give the author an excuse to drop the whole "I can't love" thing for the heroine...
It was too fast, and I don't think we spent enough time on it to make it believable.
I would have liked more push and pull, and the heroine fighting it, and Maddox pulling more to show her he loves her.
It's like the author was scared to have the heroine not say "I love you" for more than a page after the hero has said it...
Nah, I needed her to take her time.
But other than that, I enjoyed this story for the most part, wish there was more intimate scenes between them, though.
If two characters have good sexual chemistry, I want the author to take advantage of that and write a lot of sex scenes for them.
Maddox honestly could have just just bought her a house lol. He has the means, ya know...
Review:
2.5! Nearly 3 stars.
Wow, who knew this author was capable of writing DECENT sexual chemistry!
Not me after listening to the first 2 books of this series...
If i had given up after those first 2 books, I would have missed out on this.
I enjoyed Maddox and Dee's stories. Like I said, this author knows how to do chemistry, I guess she had selective amnesia during the beginning of the series, and remembered how to, just in time to write this book.
Things I didn't enjoy:
1.
I don't know why romance authors feel the need to make a big deal out of female character's ages when they dare to be at least 10 minutes older than the hero...
Dee is 3 years older than Maddox, but for some reason, this was worth mentioning in a way that makes it feel like she's 30 years older than him...
Peculiar...
If Maddox was the one 3 years older than her, it would not have been mentioned in that way at all.
2.
Also, I think this would have been a 3.5 stars if we didn't have Dee's POV at all.
We didn't need it frankly.
The story's pace and vibe suffered because the author added the heroine's POV...
3.
The baby-filled epilogue.
I don't like children, don't care for them. And this epilogue was just written to show me how every heroine in the series is now all barefoot and pregnant...
I would have much preferred an epilogue about Maddox and Dee enjoying their life together and having hot sex.
4.
And lastly, I think Dee's miracle magical therapist came out of nowhere just to give the author an excuse to drop the whole "I can't love" thing for the heroine...
It was too fast, and I don't think we spent enough time on it to make it believable.
I would have liked more push and pull, and the heroine fighting it, and Maddox pulling more to show her he loves her.
It's like the author was scared to have the heroine not say "I love you" for more than a page after the hero has said it...
Nah, I needed her to take her time.
But other than that, I enjoyed this story for the most part, wish there was more intimate scenes between them, though.
If two characters have good sexual chemistry, I want the author to take advantage of that and write a lot of sex scenes for them.
June 15, 2018
I don’t know how to express how much I LOVE this series! Maddox is the third book in the Vested Interest series. Each story is a connected standalone story, and each one is amazing. After reading Bentley and falling in love, then swooning for Aiden I really didn’t think Maddox could top either of those. But When Maddox turned on that dirty talk, I had to check my e-reader for burn marks!!! Hot, Hot, Hot!!
“Listen to me, Deirdre Wilson, and listen well. I am not buttering you up. I’m telling the truth. You are incredibly beautiful and sexy. As for f*
Maddox has a heartbreaking past that has left him with scars and secrets. He is the one who is quiet on the outside, but he loves his little touches of flair!
Dee has shouldered responsibility from a young age and doesn’t want anything to do with a romantic relationship. Maddox and Dee agree that an arrangement with no strings attached is the best thing for them both.
“Life is meant to be lived, Dee. We have one shot at it. Laugh, cry, love. Don’t hide in the shadows—take a page from Cami’s book. Grab it and live.”
I just loved how when Maddox knew what he wanted, he found ways to break down Dee’s defenses one by one. Oh, Maddox!! You’ve completely won my heart!!!
-6 Stars!!-
“Listen to me, Deirdre Wilson, and listen well. I am not buttering you up. I’m telling the truth. You are incredibly beautiful and sexy. As for f*
Maddox has a heartbreaking past that has left him with scars and secrets. He is the one who is quiet on the outside, but he loves his little touches of flair!
Dee has shouldered responsibility from a young age and doesn’t want anything to do with a romantic relationship. Maddox and Dee agree that an arrangement with no strings attached is the best thing for them both.
“Life is meant to be lived, Dee. We have one shot at it. Laugh, cry, love. Don’t hide in the shadows—take a page from Cami’s book. Grab it and live.”
I just loved how when Maddox knew what he wanted, he found ways to break down Dee’s defenses one by one. Oh, Maddox!! You’ve completely won my heart!!!
-6 Stars!!-
July 14, 2018
REVIEW 4+ STARS
"She fucked with my control. I fucked her to get it back."
Yep, yep, YEP. I really really enjoyed this book the most out of the entire Vested Interest series!! I know I already told you I loved Bentley and then I told you I loved Aiden, but I have to say, Melanie brought something out in Maddox that I desperately needed to see to round out the BAM boys!! While Bentley was a really great start to this series, with Aiden bringing up the middle with an intensity that I was excited to witness, Maddox rounded out the group with his confidence and his swag, but a heart that betrayed him for the better. It was truly a great story to enjoy!
I will say that being able to visit with Bent and Emmy and Aiden and Cami - adding the emotions and the fears, this one was my favorite of the trio. I know! I know! I keep changing that when she adds a new story to the mix, but Maddox and Dee with their walls and personal issues, this one just made me smile a lot. These books aren't heavy. They aren't super overly dramatic. They are just a great story with some emotional moments mixed with a little bit of drama.
"Satin, lace, silk, and sin."
Maddox was a dirty talking (sooo delicious was his mouth!!), sexy man (silver fox!!) with some walls (poor guy) that were solidly in place. He liked control and he knew how to wield that control powerfully and respectfully; but he was quite HOT doing so...drool-worthy even. But, the same could be said for Dee. She liked her dirty talking man, with her sexy body that spoke to (screamed at!!) Maddox's inner control freak, and her own walls to scale (poor girl). These two, no matter how much they fought it, they worked so well together. They were the literal definition of 'made for each other'. I loved how these two tiptoed around their feelings for each other in the most delicate of ways. Blunt? Scared. Curious? Adamant. They both had something worth hiding from and fighting for, and it was really neat how they danced around those truths before accepting the inevitable. But the coming together (that was punny) was explosive. These two together were lip-biting sexy, and their intimacy poured off the pages.
With some drama that was, well....drama, it wasn't the focus of the story and I'm thankful for that. I enjoyed the fact that Moreland was able to share these big, burly men in all their glory that were brought to their knees by the women they loved, but they never lost their masculinity. In a world full of power and control, she added in beauty in romance with ease. It just worked for all of these guys and sigh, Maddox was it. He was sooo delicious. Yep, yummy.
Seeing all of these guys out of their element by the time this one was said and done made for a smile-worthy ending, and what a treat! The smiles, the laughs - hell, the grins were cheesy and the laughs were giggles, but I *really* enjoyed the ending to their trilogy. This was just a fitting end and to see it all button up as nicely as it did, it gave me the HEA I so desperately love.
But wait, there's more....the rebel known as Reid is coming this fall, and once again I'm all excited for more!!
"Her very oxygen became mine. I needed her to breathe, to survive."
~BEE
Amazon AA link: https://amzn.to/2usmuQv
Enter here for a giveaway for a copy of Maddox: http://bit.ly/2NNIJbi
"She fucked with my control. I fucked her to get it back."
Yep, yep, YEP. I really really enjoyed this book the most out of the entire Vested Interest series!! I know I already told you I loved Bentley and then I told you I loved Aiden, but I have to say, Melanie brought something out in Maddox that I desperately needed to see to round out the BAM boys!! While Bentley was a really great start to this series, with Aiden bringing up the middle with an intensity that I was excited to witness, Maddox rounded out the group with his confidence and his swag, but a heart that betrayed him for the better. It was truly a great story to enjoy!
I will say that being able to visit with Bent and Emmy and Aiden and Cami - adding the emotions and the fears, this one was my favorite of the trio. I know! I know! I keep changing that when she adds a new story to the mix, but Maddox and Dee with their walls and personal issues, this one just made me smile a lot. These books aren't heavy. They aren't super overly dramatic. They are just a great story with some emotional moments mixed with a little bit of drama.
"Satin, lace, silk, and sin."
Maddox was a dirty talking (sooo delicious was his mouth!!), sexy man (silver fox!!) with some walls (poor guy) that were solidly in place. He liked control and he knew how to wield that control powerfully and respectfully; but he was quite HOT doing so...drool-worthy even. But, the same could be said for Dee. She liked her dirty talking man, with her sexy body that spoke to (screamed at!!) Maddox's inner control freak, and her own walls to scale (poor girl). These two, no matter how much they fought it, they worked so well together. They were the literal definition of 'made for each other'. I loved how these two tiptoed around their feelings for each other in the most delicate of ways. Blunt? Scared. Curious? Adamant. They both had something worth hiding from and fighting for, and it was really neat how they danced around those truths before accepting the inevitable. But the coming together (that was punny) was explosive. These two together were lip-biting sexy, and their intimacy poured off the pages.
With some drama that was, well....drama, it wasn't the focus of the story and I'm thankful for that. I enjoyed the fact that Moreland was able to share these big, burly men in all their glory that were brought to their knees by the women they loved, but they never lost their masculinity. In a world full of power and control, she added in beauty in romance with ease. It just worked for all of these guys and sigh, Maddox was it. He was sooo delicious. Yep, yummy.
Seeing all of these guys out of their element by the time this one was said and done made for a smile-worthy ending, and what a treat! The smiles, the laughs - hell, the grins were cheesy and the laughs were giggles, but I *really* enjoyed the ending to their trilogy. This was just a fitting end and to see it all button up as nicely as it did, it gave me the HEA I so desperately love.
But wait, there's more....the rebel known as Reid is coming this fall, and once again I'm all excited for more!!
"Her very oxygen became mine. I needed her to breathe, to survive."
~BEE
Amazon AA link: https://amzn.to/2usmuQv
Enter here for a giveaway for a copy of Maddox: http://bit.ly/2NNIJbi
November 19, 2022
Look, if you want over the top drama with characters who are all broken but ✨make each other whole✨ once they pair up, this series is for you.
Quality is on par with Fifty Shades of Grey 🙃
The narrators are great, though!
(Lmao okay I’m gonna quit while I’m ahead and ✌🏼)
Quality is on par with Fifty Shades of Grey 🙃
The narrators are great, though!
(Lmao okay I’m gonna quit while I’m ahead and ✌🏼)
July 10, 2018
Maddox by Melanie Moreland has all the feels! Moreland has a way of creating characters that you can relate to, but are unique unto themselves.
I love the way that Maddox is willing to fight for what he wants, but it takes a lot for him to overcome the past and see that Dee is really worth fighting for.
You see, Moreland gives us characters that are beautifully flawed. And I say this, because we all need characters like this to remind us that even though life isn’t perfect, we can survive.
This hot, on the edge of your seat romance, is one of my all time favorites!!!
5 Huge Stars!!!
I love the way that Maddox is willing to fight for what he wants, but it takes a lot for him to overcome the past and see that Dee is really worth fighting for.
You see, Moreland gives us characters that are beautifully flawed. And I say this, because we all need characters like this to remind us that even though life isn’t perfect, we can survive.
This hot, on the edge of your seat romance, is one of my all time favorites!!!
5 Huge Stars!!!
March 26, 2019
Maddox was raised in chaos. His father did everything he could to make Maddox’s childhood a living hell. From the lessons of his childhood Maddox learned to crave control. He needs it. He has to have it in every aspect of life. He never planned on a relationship and certainly never planned on falling in love. But then he met her. The woman who needed to relinquish control. Now everything has changed.
Dee’s childhood was ruined by a mother with mental health issues and a father who abandoned their family. She was responsible for her sister from a very young age, and she took the lesson from her childhood to heart. She doesn’t believe in relationships. “Love equals power. The power to destroy. The ability to hurt and cause pain. The chaos it causes. That’s what lave means to me It destroys trust and leaves you week”. But Dee is so tired and just wants to be able to let go. In Maddox’s arms, she can just feel. But to Dee it is just sex. No strings. No attachments. But Maddox has other plans.
This script has been flipped. Maddox realizes very early on that he is in love with Dee, and he wants everything with her he never thought he could have. Dee is resistant. But not to worry, Maddox isn’t the master of control for nothing. He has a plan. This book is not BDSM. It is about two people who learned that control quieted the voices chaos left behind. It is about two people who must learn to let go of the past and chose a different path to follow, together. Ms. Moreland has one again written a story that is not your typical romance novel about a couple’s relationship. This is a story about Dee’s life. Maddox’s life. And all that those lives entail. The romance is woven delicately throughout the story of their lives, tying it all together.
This is a love story that evokes ALL. THE. FEELS. There is sorrow for the children Dee and Maddox once were, frustration when they can’t see the love that is within their grasp, and joy when they embrace the change they needed all along. Ms. Moreland has continued to create just the right amount of laughter and happiness to offset the heartache and frustration. She has also created a smoking hot sexual dynamic that makes you have fantasies about having strong hands and commanding voice in charge of all your pleasure.
Plus, we get to see all of our beloved BAM family members and what is happening in their lives. This is another remarkable addition to the Vested Interest series that I couldn’t wait to read and was sad to see it end. I’m excited to see how the story continues.
Dee’s childhood was ruined by a mother with mental health issues and a father who abandoned their family. She was responsible for her sister from a very young age, and she took the lesson from her childhood to heart. She doesn’t believe in relationships. “Love equals power. The power to destroy. The ability to hurt and cause pain. The chaos it causes. That’s what lave means to me It destroys trust and leaves you week”. But Dee is so tired and just wants to be able to let go. In Maddox’s arms, she can just feel. But to Dee it is just sex. No strings. No attachments. But Maddox has other plans.
This script has been flipped. Maddox realizes very early on that he is in love with Dee, and he wants everything with her he never thought he could have. Dee is resistant. But not to worry, Maddox isn’t the master of control for nothing. He has a plan. This book is not BDSM. It is about two people who learned that control quieted the voices chaos left behind. It is about two people who must learn to let go of the past and chose a different path to follow, together. Ms. Moreland has one again written a story that is not your typical romance novel about a couple’s relationship. This is a story about Dee’s life. Maddox’s life. And all that those lives entail. The romance is woven delicately throughout the story of their lives, tying it all together.
This is a love story that evokes ALL. THE. FEELS. There is sorrow for the children Dee and Maddox once were, frustration when they can’t see the love that is within their grasp, and joy when they embrace the change they needed all along. Ms. Moreland has continued to create just the right amount of laughter and happiness to offset the heartache and frustration. She has also created a smoking hot sexual dynamic that makes you have fantasies about having strong hands and commanding voice in charge of all your pleasure.
Plus, we get to see all of our beloved BAM family members and what is happening in their lives. This is another remarkable addition to the Vested Interest series that I couldn’t wait to read and was sad to see it end. I’m excited to see how the story continues.
July 9, 2018
The quiet ones are always the dirtiest ! And boy oh boy does Maddox have a dirty mouth !!
From the epilogue my heart broke, and melted for Maddox, the complex, vulnerable, silverfox ! When you understand his hesitant nature and reasons for not wanting to complicate his life and Love was not for him. But his story has other ideas, a tale that twisted and weaved finding him falling, to only have his past come back and try to rip that all apart as he puts his family first always !
My Dee, Maddox calls her, but what are they ! Both with each other as the don’t want strings. Dee is complicated in her own right without meaning to be, she doesn’t want love doesn’t feel she deserves it ! But with Maddox she’s found a happy medium !
Can you ever really have something without a string attaching itself ? Can you really walk away without getting hurt ? Is Love still none existent when you have friends that are your family around you ?
I loved the way this story played out with the camaraderie of the BAM boys and girls shining through especially when things get tough ! With the addition of a certain Richard VanRyan making several appearances, I was as happy as pie as I read along !
Certain scenes had me laughing out loud and feeling as if I was totally immersed in the BAM world ! As always I’ll let you be your own judge and jury of the story itself ! But what I will tell you is the Melanie has cemented herself in my go to list with these Books and combining the worlds of my favourite Heroes by her just made it perfect ! I can’t wait to see where she takes me next !
5 sheepish Stars
Diz
4TLOReading
From the epilogue my heart broke, and melted for Maddox, the complex, vulnerable, silverfox ! When you understand his hesitant nature and reasons for not wanting to complicate his life and Love was not for him. But his story has other ideas, a tale that twisted and weaved finding him falling, to only have his past come back and try to rip that all apart as he puts his family first always !
My Dee, Maddox calls her, but what are they ! Both with each other as the don’t want strings. Dee is complicated in her own right without meaning to be, she doesn’t want love doesn’t feel she deserves it ! But with Maddox she’s found a happy medium !
Can you ever really have something without a string attaching itself ? Can you really walk away without getting hurt ? Is Love still none existent when you have friends that are your family around you ?
I loved the way this story played out with the camaraderie of the BAM boys and girls shining through especially when things get tough ! With the addition of a certain Richard VanRyan making several appearances, I was as happy as pie as I read along !
Certain scenes had me laughing out loud and feeling as if I was totally immersed in the BAM world ! As always I’ll let you be your own judge and jury of the story itself ! But what I will tell you is the Melanie has cemented herself in my go to list with these Books and combining the worlds of my favourite Heroes by her just made it perfect ! I can’t wait to see where she takes me next !
5 sheepish Stars
Diz
4TLOReading
June 10, 2018
Maddox is not easy to like, but hard not to love. He idles at difficult. That's the only setting he knows, yet in his heart is where he's most vulnerable and Dee is about to hit him where it hurts. Maddox is every dirty fantasy. He's a walking contradiction, a waking dream and a bad boy not easily tamed, but worth the drama. Vested Interest is the perfect name for a series that comes to life and moves right in to your heart.
June 10, 2018
https://amzn.to/2McWkZ9 Maddox... oh Maddox you dirty talker you..
The epilogue was so everything!!!!!
and ps I loved loved we are getting one more story!
The epilogue was so everything!!!!!
and ps I loved loved we are getting one more story!
March 13, 2019
It was ok.
June 11, 2018
Melanie you have done an outstanding job on this wonderful group of men and women ! I am giddy with excitement having been able to dive into this story early !!!I absolutely loved Maddox and Dee! Maddox is the iconic alpha male, strong, mysterious, dirty talking and oh so sexy . Our lovely Dee the straight laced, strong, sassy business woman with a bit of a naughty streak ..they were electrifying together . Their story was everything that I could have hope for and so much more . Having everyone of the supporting cast intertwined in their story was fabulous . It had everything that I love in a book. Romance, sizzle, mystery, secrets excitement , angst and wonderfully supportive friends and family! Such an wonderful journey getting to know this group!
~~Michele McMullen~~
~~Michele McMullen~~
October 7, 2019
You know, I love it when hero realises way before the heroine that he is love and wants more whilst the heroine just wants to keep it casual, causing the hero to chase her, woo her etc.
But seriously this was so boring I almost fell asleep reading it. Also the book opens with them already having a casual relationship. Yes it had some flashback showing when they first met and had sex. But I would prefer it if the book started at the beginning when they met . Maddox was already in love with her when this book started and I am uh what did I miss? Damn it I want to read about them falling in love (unless it's a marriage on rocks type of story but it wasn't). I want to see their connection slowly develop from nothing. I want to witness first hand how his feelings change from mere attraction to liking her as a person to deeper feelings and eventually love.
I thought since Maddox is trying to get her to fall in love with her, I will see a lot of wooing and chasing. But atlas no, it was all very subtle. Honestly if I was the heroine I wouldn't be able to tell he was in love with me. Like I would think he cared about me and liked me as a person but I wouldn't think he was madly in love. There's a difference between being patient and not wanting to come across too strong in case of scaring her away and just being too subtle and passive in your "chase". I wish he did more, pursued her harder if he wanted her that bad- its possible to do that without coming across as too demanding and pushy.
Also why do all the MCs in the series have such a tragic past!? It feels so formulaic and too big of a coincidence. I did feel sad for Maddox's heartbreaking past. I liked that his past didn't stop him from accepting that he has fallen in love and wanting lifelong commitment (unlike some people *looking at you, Aiden (from book 2) *
I don't think Dee had a strong enough presence in the book for me have a strong opinion about her. I did understand her reservations when it came to relationships. I didn't love her but didn't dislike her either.
And yeah I don't like submissive girls in bed. I am not like it so I certainly don't relate. Like why can't we have equality in bed? Is it too much to ask for? I mean look I have no problem with bondage and light bdsm but it has to go both ways for me. Like sometimes I want to be tied up and sometimes I would want the guy to he tied up. It's more fun that way imo- you both get to experience and try new things out. I hate rigidity and inflexibility which is what I feel like the one person ALWAYS being dominant and other ALWAYS being submissive is like. There are strict rules and orders you have to always follow and honestly I would get so bored and frustrated doing the same shit over and over again. No room for getting inventive or creative.
Btw he didn't use "tools". There are no masochism or sadism. It was just him being in 100% control in the bedroom 100% of the time which I find boring, restrictive and annoying. Blah. Just my personal preference.
I didn't like the sub plot either. Nope. I hate the evil, gold digging, manipulative, scheming ex girlfriend trope. And honestly it made me like Maddox less even though it technically wasn't his fault. I just couldn't bring myself to muster any sympathy for him.
And also it was boring, did I mention? I found myself skipping pages and pages of details about their work. I don't give a shit. At some point ex-drama and office work took away the focus from their romance.
I thought the resolution when they finally get together as an official couple was somewhat anticlimactic. Of course the author used the "classic technique" to make Dee finally realise she couldn't live without him.
Epilogue was the best bit of the story! I enjoyed that.
But seriously this was so boring I almost fell asleep reading it. Also the book opens with them already having a casual relationship. Yes it had some flashback showing when they first met and had sex. But I would prefer it if the book started at the beginning when they met . Maddox was already in love with her when this book started and I am uh what did I miss? Damn it I want to read about them falling in love (unless it's a marriage on rocks type of story but it wasn't). I want to see their connection slowly develop from nothing. I want to witness first hand how his feelings change from mere attraction to liking her as a person to deeper feelings and eventually love.
I thought since Maddox is trying to get her to fall in love with her, I will see a lot of wooing and chasing. But atlas no, it was all very subtle. Honestly if I was the heroine I wouldn't be able to tell he was in love with me. Like I would think he cared about me and liked me as a person but I wouldn't think he was madly in love. There's a difference between being patient and not wanting to come across too strong in case of scaring her away and just being too subtle and passive in your "chase". I wish he did more, pursued her harder if he wanted her that bad- its possible to do that without coming across as too demanding and pushy.
Also why do all the MCs in the series have such a tragic past!? It feels so formulaic and too big of a coincidence. I did feel sad for Maddox's heartbreaking past. I liked that his past didn't stop him from accepting that he has fallen in love and wanting lifelong commitment (unlike some people *looking at you, Aiden (from book 2) *
I don't think Dee had a strong enough presence in the book for me have a strong opinion about her. I did understand her reservations when it came to relationships. I didn't love her but didn't dislike her either.
And yeah I don't like submissive girls in bed. I am not like it so I certainly don't relate. Like why can't we have equality in bed? Is it too much to ask for? I mean look I have no problem with bondage and light bdsm but it has to go both ways for me. Like sometimes I want to be tied up and sometimes I would want the guy to he tied up. It's more fun that way imo- you both get to experience and try new things out. I hate rigidity and inflexibility which is what I feel like the one person ALWAYS being dominant and other ALWAYS being submissive is like. There are strict rules and orders you have to always follow and honestly I would get so bored and frustrated doing the same shit over and over again. No room for getting inventive or creative.
Btw he didn't use "tools". There are no masochism or sadism. It was just him being in 100% control in the bedroom 100% of the time which I find boring, restrictive and annoying. Blah. Just my personal preference.
I didn't like the sub plot either. Nope. I hate the evil, gold digging, manipulative, scheming ex girlfriend trope. And honestly it made me like Maddox less even though it technically wasn't his fault. I just couldn't bring myself to muster any sympathy for him.
And also it was boring, did I mention? I found myself skipping pages and pages of details about their work. I don't give a shit. At some point ex-drama and office work took away the focus from their romance.
I thought the resolution when they finally get together as an official couple was somewhat anticlimactic. Of course the author used the "classic technique" to make Dee finally realise she couldn't live without him.
Epilogue was the best bit of the story! I enjoyed that.
April 1, 2019
Nothing like a silver fox!
I'm in love with this series, I think I've said it before. And with each book, I love it even more.
I was intrigued by Maddox by the very beginning! His stoic and introspective persona, but also hiding a great passion inside.
And he was even better than I expected it. Just like Aiden and Bentley, he had a rough past, and that molded him, but he made what he was, and he was a lot. He was, indeed, stoic and introspective. But he was also brilliant, caring, loyal and brave enough to face his past, get over his fears and admit his feelings.
Dee had a huge baggage as well. Having to grow up really early in her life, she became ceptic and wary of love. But what she hadn't realized was that she already had so much love to give. She was nurturing, protective, always taking care of the ones she loved. But admiting it, was a whole other effort.
Together, Dee and Maddox had a rythim and pace of their own. A relantioship that worked for them. Inteleactually connected and with an off-the-charts chemistry, they matched perfectly.
That is, until they had to say their feelings out loud.
This story was about a new chance, it was about believing in love. It was about getting vulnerable and facing the past and giving out so much baggage so that the other person could have a room to live.
Because they both had so much to offer, they both had so much love inside. They were perfect for each other, they found something so rare, so deep, so pure, that most of us only dreams of ever finding.
And with the help of their friends/family, and from their willingness to love each other, they realize that their love could be even stronger than what they could ever imagine!
I'm in love with this series, I think I've said it before. And with each book, I love it even more.
I was intrigued by Maddox by the very beginning! His stoic and introspective persona, but also hiding a great passion inside.
And he was even better than I expected it. Just like Aiden and Bentley, he had a rough past, and that molded him, but he made what he was, and he was a lot. He was, indeed, stoic and introspective. But he was also brilliant, caring, loyal and brave enough to face his past, get over his fears and admit his feelings.
Dee had a huge baggage as well. Having to grow up really early in her life, she became ceptic and wary of love. But what she hadn't realized was that she already had so much love to give. She was nurturing, protective, always taking care of the ones she loved. But admiting it, was a whole other effort.
Together, Dee and Maddox had a rythim and pace of their own. A relantioship that worked for them. Inteleactually connected and with an off-the-charts chemistry, they matched perfectly.
That is, until they had to say their feelings out loud.
This story was about a new chance, it was about believing in love. It was about getting vulnerable and facing the past and giving out so much baggage so that the other person could have a room to live.
Because they both had so much to offer, they both had so much love inside. They were perfect for each other, they found something so rare, so deep, so pure, that most of us only dreams of ever finding.
And with the help of their friends/family, and from their willingness to love each other, they realize that their love could be even stronger than what they could ever imagine!
June 14, 2018
Maddox, Maddox,Maddox was such a pleasant read! I finished it in one siting because this book is a page turner, you physically cannot put it down. As always this one began with prolog and traumatized childhood is a key element in this third installment as well. If you read Bentley and Aidan, you probably know how Bent's and Aidan's childhood affected their lives and what a huge impact it had on their relationships.
Maddox and Dee agreed to be friends with benefits and were perfectly fine with this commitment. They are both workaholics and share the same beliefs about love and relationships. But all the hell broke loose when they both realized that they were irrevocably in love with each other. I loved the dynamic of this couple, how they finally realized their true feelings. As usual, I enjoyed great sense of humor and was so happy about how everything turned out.
You cannot miss this third installment and will be beautifully surprised by Maddox.
Maddox and Dee agreed to be friends with benefits and were perfectly fine with this commitment. They are both workaholics and share the same beliefs about love and relationships. But all the hell broke loose when they both realized that they were irrevocably in love with each other. I loved the dynamic of this couple, how they finally realized their true feelings. As usual, I enjoyed great sense of humor and was so happy about how everything turned out.
You cannot miss this third installment and will be beautifully surprised by Maddox.
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