Oh man.....I couldn't stop reading this book and I really didn't want it to end!
The engaging characters, the witty banter, the friendships, emotions, the whole story just blew me away!
I felt, I laughed, I almost shed some tears...
Without a doubt, this would be an absolute favourite book that Rachel Van Dyken has written!
Fraternize was incredibly entertaining and was a really great escape from reality! I immersed myself into the characters lives and just absolutely loved it!!
Read it or you are missing out on something really great!!!!

MY RATING: 2/5 

I was provided an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

This is my first Rachel Van Dyken novel and after seeing her works on multiple sources of social media platforms, I was more than excited to have a chance to review her works. First of all, look at how gorgeous this cover is. It screams romantic comedy and exactly what I was looking forward to curling up in bed for. While, this book intended to invoke this sort of emotion within me, I must say, I was pretty disappointed. 

Fraternize follows the troupe of love triangles. Sort of. We have Emerson, a curvy cheerleader, who was hurt by her best friend and lover back in high school when he dropped off the face of the earth after taking her virginity and moving far far away from her. His name is Miller by the way. And for the majority part of the book, he absolutely hated her. He didn't want to speak about her or think about her so obviously, he's not happy when Emerson is the cheerleader for the team he's playing for. Next, we have Sanchez. Sanchez is attracted to Emerson from the first time they meet and trust me when I say that you will never hear the end of it. 

I just want to let everyone be clear that I like love triangles. I don't actively look for them but I'm not going to be mad if it does happen somewhere along the way. However, the thing about love triangles is that you're usually conflicted between whose team you're on. For Fraternize, I wanted Emerson to be single. 

Yup.

I disliked both Miller and Sanchez and I was so conflicted on whether I should even give them a chance to redeem themselves. But can you really blame me when Miller literally hates Emerson's guts over a misunderstanding and miscommunication? Fraternize involves a lot of cliches and overdone reasons to why they were not together in the first place. In fact, I knew the reason why they stopped talking entirely from the get go. So you can imagine how frustrated I was when all I kept reading was this toxic energy directed towards Emerson when she literally did nothing but he was too proud to ask why she did what she did. 

Moving on, let's discuss Sanchez. Oh good lord. I can't. I thought he was a joke when I first started reading it. I never read the synopsis or I took a brief glance so I wasn't sure who was the other man in this love triangle but when Sanchez was introduced I thought he was the funny main character's best friend. Little did I know, he was actually the main character. Sanchez is a pig. The way he speaks, the way he acts, the way he is all entirely just makes me feel so disgusted. He speaks crudely and harshly, making him a big douche bag. I just don't like Sanchez. If he existed in real life, I wouldn't be turned on by him, I would be turned off. 

Enough with Sanchez, let's talk about the relationships, the writing, and plot. On hindsight, now that I think about it, the feelings reflected in the relationships between Emerson and Miller and Emerson and Sanchez were shallow like a puddle in the beginning. It was hard for me to accept the fact that they were in love with each other. However, towards the end, you can kind of sort of see their love developing for each other so I guess it's okay. 

Oh, and I get she's a curvy woman and she's a plus size which is fantastic because I love diversity in books but is it normal for every chapter to describe how difficult it is for her to look stick thin and how she has amazing curves and big breasts? I'm asking for a friend.

MY RECOMMENDATION: 

If you think you can handle a character like Sanchez who is a total flirt and crude, then I think you would enjoy this book a lot.

4.5 Stars

'What was happening?
What was I doing?
This wasn’t how the story was supposed to go.'

I remember several months ago when Rachel Van Dyken was sharing some early chapters in her Facebook reader group as sort of a group beta read, I read those chapters and was instantly hooked. I couldn’t wait to read the complete story and the time has finally come and the book was sure worth the wait! I’ve read, and loved, a lot of RVD’s books and I have to say that this one has easily become one of my favorites from her. I loved the storyline, I loved the characters and I loved how it kept you guessing and so torn as to which direction you hope things turn out! There is a bit of a love triangle here, but it’s actually one of the friendliest love triangles I’ve ever seen and, in a way, I think that made it even harder to choose a side! If you’re afraid of love triangles, don’t be scared of this one, truly, it’s not what you think and there’s surprisingly low angst given the nature of the situation. Keep an open mind and trust in RVD, she won’t steer you wrong, promise!

'Six years ago, I’d kissed a football player and lost my heart.
Five seconds ago, it felt like, maybe, I had been given a part of that heart back, and it felt good, really good.'

Emerson Rodford has the dedication and the talent but she’s always found it hard getting people to see past her physique, which isn’t exactly your standard cheerleader figure. After years of trying, she’s finally achieved her goal of becoming an NFL cheerleader, landing a spot on her hometown team. But sticking to the diet and getting through the mandatory weigh-ins might be the least of her problems when she suddenly finds herself stuck between the hot-shot, persistent Grant Sanchez and her former best friend/first love, Miller Quinton, who is suddenly back in her life after a painful split six years earlier. Despite the strict no fraternization rule, she’s drawn to both men and is having a hard time deciding which man she’d be willing to give her heart to.

“The day,” he finally said, “when you can’t take it anymore.”
“Take what?”
“This.” He slid his hand down my thigh. “The heat between us, the way it feels when we touch. Damn, just being near you drives me insane. And humans are only gifted with so much patience before they snap. I hope to God that I’m around when you do.”

Rachel Van Dyken always writes some of the best characters out there and this crew is no exception! I loved the diversity in this book. A cheerleader with a figure of a normal woman?! Someone who wasn’t a size zero but was still healthy and strong? Yes, please! And our two leading men were also diverse, not just your typical hot white guy. It was a nice change of pace and made things feel even more realistic. Emerson was great, she was strong and confident and I loved that she followed her dream, despite the obvious adversity she faced. Then there was Miller, he started off angry and bitter over what he thought happened when he moved away, but it was good seeing him come back to himself, the version of him that we got glimpses of in the flashbacks. Then there was Grant, I was expecting a player and a jerk but he was such a great guy and he was so funny! Then, as if it wasn’t hard enough, you’ve got this great friendship forming between Grant and Miller! It really is a hard choice! I wanted Emerson with Miller because of their history and the still obvious pull between them, but then there was Grant and he was just so awesome and persistent, I thought that maybe she should choose him and then I’d flip back again! Which guy will win Emerson’s heart? Well, you’re going to have to read to find out! My lips are sealed. I will say, though, I did enjoy how everything played out and I felt very satisfied with how things ended up and I am very much looking forward to what’s next in this new series!

“I’m going to make you mine.”
“I think . . .” She grabbed my sweatpants and tugged. “That I’ve always been yours. I just didn’t realize it.”

ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Emerson always wanted to be a cheerleader.
When her dreams come true, she was on cloud 9.
However, that was only half the battle.
She still had to deal w/ the stigma of being a plus size cheerleader.
On top of that, she just found out that her BFF from childhood, who she lost touch with, is the new player on the team.
There is also the ladies-man Grant Sanchez.
Why is he paying attention to Emerson ?
Will Emerson really be able to keep her spot on the squad ?
Or will she be fired?
I loved the storytelling on this book.
This is a new author for me, and if this book is any indication, I am sold.

It's no secret how much I love Rachel Van Dyken and her books. She's an amazing woman, writer, friend and a genuinely good person. She writes incredibly good stories and I have read so many I've lost count. I love her characters and the way she writes and I will read anything by her. Sandra, my blog partner, and I buddy read this goodness. We laughed and cried together and the chat messages were hilarious! Fraternize is one of my favorite Rachel Van Dyken books and that's saying something!!
I’m a huge sports romance fan so I knew Fraternize was going to be awesome. What's better than one sexy football player? That's right, two. Add in a curvy, gorgeous heroine and I was hooked from the very first word. This isn't really a love triangle and there isn't any cheating! It's a story about a girl who lands her dream job as a cheerleader for her favorite football team. Only to find out her ex-best friend now plays for them. She hasn't seen Miller in six years. She still loves him. But, Grant Sanchez, famous, rich, sexy wide receiver has his eyes on her and she likes it. She finds herself smiling and laughing with Grant, but feeling guilty about Miller. Grant is relentless and honest. He wants her and he's going to get her. Miller wants to hate Grant for staking a claim, but he can't, Grant's a good guy. What happens when your past collides with your future? When you don't get what you thought you want, but you get what you need? I can't spoil it for you, but I was #TeamGrant from the start. I love him. I love his face. His mouth. His honestly. He's hilarious, smart, sweet, sexy and fun. Miller is funny, sexy, sweet and knows Emerson better than anyone. I loved the dynamic between Grant and Miller. The bromance is epic! They were teammates who wanted the same woman but quickly became brothers. The locker room jokes and man hugs gave me all the feels! I especially loved Emerson and her plus size figure. I haven't related to a character this well in a long time. I cried for her and cheered for her. I am her. She's one of my favorite leading ladies of Rachel's. Not because she's not skinny, but because she loves herself. She's proud to have curves and she owns it! And she eats! I loved this book. So much! I didn't want it to end!! Overall, I laughed out loud, cried more than five times, swooned and highlighted almost thirty sections!

Could a person die if they experience too much sexy in one minute?

The man kissed like the played - without apology and without fear.

"Careful, Curves. If you lick it, you have to keep it."
"Who says I'm not keeping you?"

I was on sensory overload and was pinned down by over two hundred and fifty pounds of Bellevue Buck wide receiver. He made me feel powerful - sexy.

"Damn, those two together are completely lethal. I wonder if they'd be okay with a little ménage moment, nothing crazy, just, you know -" - Kinsey.

"Don't take it personally. I saw her staring at a cookie the other day before throwing it in the trash."
"No!" Kinsey stomped her foot. "How wasteful! You think it's still there?"

I found this book an edge of your seat romance. I never knew which guy she was going to pick, but it ended with not only a happily ever after and a teaser for another couple (please say another in the series).

I'm not a big fan of love triangles, usually I run of books as well..But I found this great book, the author treated the subject with due care and was not as bad as the other involving this issue.Didn't say I loved this book, and even if he is my favorite author, but served proposed entertainment.

I decided to read Fraternize after a certain someone’s name kept popping up all over creation due to him being an excellent human being and after watching sitting in the same room during Sunday Funday when JJ Watt came out in a blaze of fire swinging a Texas flag around. (I can’t imagine the person who would still not know this – but in case you need written confirmation, YES I am 100% disgusting and was totally able to take something wonderful that happened during a tragedy to make me horny for some porny.)

The story here is about Emerson who has dreamed of breaking the mold of who can become a professional cheerleader ever since high school. When Emerson finally lands a spot on the Bucks’ squad, she is elated. She knows she can keep up with the grueling pace, and as for the no fraternization with the football players policy? No problem. Especially since the only two who pay her any attention are her former best friend who now hates her and another who has a reputation of being real good at salami hiding.

If you would have ever told me that I would be this smitten with one of these types of stories I would have told you to get your head checked. I’m not going to spoil anything here, so you’ll just have to trust me when I say that this isn’t your typical love triangle tale. Now, there’s probably plenty of people who will still be put off by it, and those people should just go ahead and remove themselves from my space because the way this plot point is used here is NOT OFFENSIVE. There was one teensie little thing that is overused a lot in romance novels that I never enjoy, but it didn’t turn me off in the least. I just wanted to hurry up and get to the addressing of the giant pink elephant and then move on because the rest of the story????? It was like crack.

Emerson was quite the breath of fresh air of a leading lady who had real life shit to deal with and didn’t much sweat the small stuff . . . .

“Go shower. You smell like whiskey and bad choices.”

And the men? Remember up top when I said I wanted to picture bangin’ JJ Watt? Well, imagine my surprise when I was introduced to Miles with his mocha skin and blue eyes, followed by Grant . . . . SANCHEZ.

Kudos to you Rachel Van Dyken. Please now allow me to channel my inner Jason Derulo and ask WILL YOU MAAAAAAAAARRY MEEEEEEEE?

All the stars and I seriously CAN. NOT. WAIT. for the second in this series to come out. So fired up.

ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! And for any of you who are curious – NO I DO NOT KNOW THIS AUTHOR. I simply stalk the intertubes (and have a friend who assists me and sends me PMs in case I miss something) for all of her new releases like any sane person would do because I lurv her.

4.5 stars

Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken is exactly what you would expect to get from her. It's fun, it's exciting, it's full of love, feelings, and humor. I remember the first time I read one of Rachel's books and I knew right away that she was going to be a must but author for me, Fraternize just reenforces the reasons I love reading her books.

Fraternize is about a curvy cheerleader that finally lands her dream job. The dream job comes with a couple of complications, one from her past and one that could be her new future. I loved Miller, I wanted to bring him out of the book and keep him to myself. The problem, I loved Grant just as much. A little warning, while this didn't bother me in the slightest, Fraternize is a complete love triangle. Overall this was another great book by an amazing author and one that I will be recommending to other readers.

Absolutely adored this story. Van Dyken has been a favorite author of mine for a while and this book solidifies it even more. It was brilliantly written and very fun to read. I loved the concept and the whole idea behind it. Amazing book and would highly recommend this one!

The entire time I was reading Fraternize, I kept thinking that this was Elite. The only difference was one was about football and the other was about the mafia.

A super wicked, delicious, surprising DOUBLE treat from Rachel Van Dyken! Fraternize threw me for a heck of a sizzling loop. The chemistry between these characters was snapping and crackling...a lot like electricity. It was hot, it was sexy and the sex...mmm...perfectly sizzled!

Fraternize was one of those romances that just steals your breath and causes all your fantasies to come true. It is obsessively good...makes me crave more of this type of sexy romance. And Miss Van Dyken writes pure perfection! From start to end this book was almost too hot to handle and that my friends was EVERYTHING to me.

Fraternize gets a TOO SEXY TO THINK FIVE SHOOTING STARS! Its downright delicious!

My 4 star review is up on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1985293232?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1. It will be posted on blog and social media on blog tour and links will be updated here. UPDATED 9/13/17

4 stars
Emerson Rodner has been working towards achieving her goal of becoming a professional NFL cheerleader and is finally getting her chance. She is not a typical tiny cheerleader in that she is tall, plus-sized and curvy, though she is strong, motivated, and sassy. Like most NFL teams there is a strict fraternization rule with the players, but she is not really worried about that initially.

But she catches the eye of the Grant Sanchez, the team captain and rumored to be a ladies' man. He is flirty, sexy, sweet, cocky, and very persistent. And he might have been motivated at least in the beginning by something else as well. And then comes Miller Quinton, the new tight end...who also happens to be her childhood to teen best friend, first love and lover that broke her heart. Two men. Attraction. Attention. Against the rules.

Sanchez really goes after her and is determined to worm his way in. He is observant, attentive, patient, and caring even though he can be quite unfiltered, over-the-top, and funny. Miller is still angry and hurt and dealing with his own issues from their past. He gets a slower start and watches from the sidelines, but eventually he starts moving back at least towards the friendzone knowing he is going to want more. There is competition, jealousy, and friendship interfering. But both men are gearing up to catch the girl.

Emerson's life is not easy now and it wasn't in the past. She still has some things to work through...including talking some things through with Miller. Both she and Miller will have to confront their past and resolve those feelings before there is any hope of moving on.

Who is the man Emerson truly loves and needs to be with? The one who was her first and best friend or the one that is really pushing for a chance at her present and future? Both are worthy. Both have a chance. But she needs to choose one and follow her heart. And even then there still might be things that could surprise or hurt her.

This is a fun, sexy, sweet, and emotional slow burn, love-triangle, and friends-to-lovers story. I honestly was not sure who I was supposed to be rooting for and at times was not sure who I even wanted to win. It is told in all three of their points of view but the majority seems to be in Emerson and Miller's (and they had some flashbacks too). I liked both Sanchez and Miller. I loved that Emerson was curvy, real, confident, and that both of the men saw her as sexy and beautiful inside and out. I also enjoyed the side characters of Jax and Kinsey and the camaraderie of the team and friend group, while there were some antagonists that I certainly did not. The author did a good job having just enough football and cheerleading in the story to make it realistic. I am looking forward to the next book, Infraction that was teased at the end.
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I wasn't going to grab this one because I'm in the 'I'm tired of syrupy sweet romance' right now but I'm a die hard RVD fan and I just had to have it and OMG am I glad I did!!! Off the chart angst and witty banter with many giggle moments and edge of you seat wondering who she will pick!

PLUS Emerson is not the stick skinny beauty queen..she has curves and loves food & this is a sports romance with two schmexy football players and just holy cheese if I keep going I'm will give it all away...I couldn't read fast enough and I can't wait for more!

Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken is a charming love triangle-ish story. You must be wondering how could I say a love triangle is charming... well it’s partly because there is a very obvious choice as to who should win the heart of the heroine. And also due in part that RVD doesn’t make it so angsty.

Emerson Rodner finally landed her dream job as the newest member of the cheer squad for the NFL team, Bellevue Bucks. While Emerson is a bit self-conscious about her weight since she is not considered the normal size 2, she tries to fully embraces her big girl curves. As the newest member of the cheer squad, she is greeted by the biggest flirts and star of the team, Grant Sanchez.

Grant Sanchez is immediately intrigued by Emerson. What could be the start of possibly a new relationship is about to get sidelined when Emerson’s first love and best friend becomes the newest player on the Bellevue Bucks. What happens when two guys wants Em? Will she be scoring a touchdown with Grant? Or rekindling an old flame with Miller?

Fraternize definitely showcases RVD’s ability to incorporate humor and romance into one unforgettable love story. I love all three of the main characters as they brought forth something to the storyline. As always, the writing was on point since RVD made this sort of love triangle fun, light, and beautiful in her own romantic way. So if you are looking for a book that was fresh, charming, and entertaining then this RVD book might be for you.

3.5 STARS

I despise love triangles and RVD is one of the few authors I would knowingly enter into this trope. I’ve read several of her books involving them and she always does an excellent job with the storyline. For a triangle, there is minimal drama and no over the top “who will she choose”antics. I figured out early one who the likely choice would be. Despite my apprehension, I found this one to be an engaging read. RVD never fells to deliver an outstanding supporting cast, excellent banter, and engaging dialogue.

"You're my safe place. You've always been my safe place."

I adored Emerson, Miller, and Sanchez. How can you not love two sexy football players, who are truly nice guys? Despite the competition for Emerson, their genuine friendship and like for each other really won me over. I wanted nothing more than to see all three of them happy. I appreciate Emerson in not the typical size 2, beautiful heroine. She is real and her struggles are ones that most readers can easily identify with. I recommend the book just on the principle of having a curvy heroine, who is confident and secure with herself.

"Have you ever thought that maybe you're perfect just the way you are?"

While I enjoyed Fraternize, I did have a few issues. This book was more melancholy than I anticipated, especially given the cover and synopsis. Even RVD’s most emotional books always have me smiling through tears. There was heaviness throughout, which I have never experienced with her before. Maybe it was the triangle issue in addition to other serious elements? Also, I needed more Sanchez! He only has a few chapters from his POV. I loved his character but felt like I never truly got to know his inner thoughts and feelings.

Seasoned fans will absolutely love a few little Easter Eggs from previous series, so be on the lookout. Overall, this is a solid read and I’m really looking forward to future installments.

Thank you to RVD for my advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Rachel Van Dyken’s Fraternize is one of her best books yet! When it comes to Rachel’s books I can never help myself and devour her books in one sitting! Fraternize was one that I seriously could not put down. Rachel introduces us to Emerson the curvy lead in Fraternize, she beautiful, smart and has just made cheerleader for The Bellevue Bucks, Emerson is living the life until she find out her ex best friend/ ex love of her life has been traded to the team. Miller has lived a hard life and fought to get to where he is today, being traded to the Bucks is a new change for him and all seems to be going well, he likes his new teammates and becomes friends with the teams all start playboy Grant Sanchez. When Grant lets Miller know he has his eye on the curvy new cheerleader it’s a shock to Miller to learn the girl Sanchez has his eye on is Emerson…his Emerson. Tension brews and sparks fly in this intense love triangle that you will not be able to put down.
Wow I LOVE this book, the banter, the heartache and the chemistry between these characters is amazing. In true Rachel Van Dyken fashion I was laughing one minute while crying the next. I was so torn while reading this book was I Team Miller or Team Sanchez, I kept going back and forth and I seriously still cannot decide who I loved more so I’m team Millchez (both) I couldn’t pick between the two. I don’t want to give away any spoilers but this book needs a higher rating then five stars it need a ten star. Rachel really knows how to draw her readers in and keep them coming back for more. A great read that you will absolutely love!

Rachel Van Dyken is a go to author for me so even when she writes a book featuring a love triangle I am right there with grabby hands. I usually try and stay away from love triangles but this is RVD we're talking about so I just couldn't pass on this one, especially after I read an excerpt from the story that about killed me. And now I get to figure out how I'm going to write this review telling you how much I loved it but without spoiling anything.

I was day dreaming about this book all day at work after having to put it down, which was extremely hard by the way. All of these characters just captivated me right away and I was on the edge of my seat ready to pull my hair out in frustration when I couldn't decide who I liked more. That was the brilliant thing about this book, there was no bad guy in the situation. Just three people that were in a complicated situation and trying to handle it the best way possible.

There was a decent amount of angst but there wasn't really a lot of drama involved which I really liked. I became fully invested into this story and the characters and the feelings I had while I was reading were perfect. I love when a story gets me so involved that I'm sad with the characters, happy with them, and rooting for them to get their HEA.

And these men! I wasn't lying when I said I couldn't figure out who I liked more. I wanted them both for myself and I'm a little mad that they don't exist out here in the real world. The one, I'll call him Hero X, was so open and fun. I loved how he was with Emerson and he seemed to always calm her insecurities when they started getting out of hand. Her other love interest, he'll be Hero Y, was just as amazing and I was equally rooting for him to get the girl. He and Emerson had such a close relationship and they learned to fully trust the other, which was brilliant.

Another thing that I found absolutely amazing about this book was Emerson. I love how she owned her curves and didn't change her life to meet others expectations. There were of course times that she was insecure but for the most part she was this badass that let herself enjoy life the way she wanted to whether that was with a salad or a double cheeseburger. I really admired her for it and it made me want to give her a big hug.

After all of this rambling I'm sure you've come to the conclusion that I would definitely recommend this book. Seriously, you don't want to miss out on this one. And it would be a great introduction to RVD's writing if you've never read her before.

*Book Received in Exchange for Honest Opinion/Review*

Alright, I was really against this story, mainly because we all know how I feel about a love story. However, with Rachel's reassurance, I dived in and was pleasantly surprised. I was captivated and reminded how much I love a good sport's romance! The characters were drop dead sexy, the plot filled with angst and drama, and Rachel was still able to bring me to tears.

Let me start with Emerson, I didn't instantly love her, but gradually fell more and more for her as I flipped the pages. She grew into this strong, sexy, confident woman and I was in awe. Miller and Sanchez, alphas all day! I love them both, they are perfection and flawlessly blend tension and drama into a bromance. Kins had me in tears and I honestly can't wait to hear more about her! Now the final piece of the puzzle was Em's dad, who had me sobbing at one point because Rachel Van Dyken excels at capturing life's difficult moments.

I just really loved this story. There was plenty of drama, artfully balanced with heart-wrenching moments crafted into a story I read in one sitting. I couldn't, wouldn't put it down. I have high hopes for this series, please Rachel, let me get to know all the men on the team!

This book was decent. Not one I just couldn't put down though