Rachel Van Dyken is one of my favorite authors. Now that i got that out of the way let me tell the reasons why i love this book/series

Emerson is by far the most relatable character i ever read about (i wish she could be my best friend)
Miller in a big way kind of ticked me off all through out the book and i really dont know why
Sanchez is my favorite character he could be really sweet and the next minute be a complete (guy)
I'm really hoping that Rachel will write jax's story next

4.5 I Adored This Book Stars!
Review by Lisa Kane

I loved this book! Like loved loved this book! It’s been Emerson’s dream since she was a kid to be a cheerleader for a professional team. She’s tried out numerous times, but her curvy not stick thin figure always seems to outweigh (no pun intended) her athletic ability. She knows she should just move on with her life, her life revolves around her at home online teaching job and taking care of her sick father. But she’s giving it one more try…

Miller Quinton has just been traded to the Bellevue Bucks-his hometown’s team. Most people would be thrilled to be playing back home –and getting paid 18 million dollars to do it-but not Miller. She lives back there-his best friend, his only love, the girl who shattered his heart.
Emerson is shocked that she’s made the cheerleading team for the Bucks. Of course the other girls are bitches, except for one; Kinsey who is showing her the ropes.

This was it. I was a Bucks Girl.

Her first day she meets Grant Sanchez, the heartthrob of the team. He takes one look at her and decides this is the girl he’s going to pursue this season.

“Bang the cheerleader. Save the world,” Sanchez said seriously.

I wasn’t sure if I liked this guy. He’s cocky and arrogant, but there’s something there, I’m going to hold back on my judgement.

“I may have a little crush on you, cheer girl.” He winked and pulled back then called over his shoulder. “See you around, Curves.”

Right about now my stomach is flip-flopping like a fish because that moment that Miller and Emerson realize that they are both with the Bucks is coming…

She still hadn’t seen me.
A huge part of me wanted to run.
But the other sick part wanted her to see me, wanted her to see my pain, my anger, my fucking broken heart.

Rut roh…

Both are shocked, both are bitter. There’s his side of the story and hers and the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Meanwhile, Sanchez is trying to get Emerson to go out with him. Miller was never one of his favorite players when they were on opposing teams, but now they have to be united. I think their dynamic is one of my favorite things about this book. Both want Emerson, only one is going to win her heart. One is the past, one is the present. Who should she be with?

Because when your heart breaks, somehow it keeps beating.

Not going to spoil how this all plays out, read it, love it, savor it!

“I won’t be that guy.” I kissed her again then pulled back. “The one that walks away, the one who gives you up to be the bigger person. I will never be the bigger person, I’m too selfish for that.”

Ms. Van Dyken creates heroines that are an inspiration. Her stories may be a bit risque, but the messages are rooted in positivity. Fraternize is a sexy spin on self love. You don't have be a size zero to go after what you want. Emerson is making her mark by living her own truth and working what she was born with. A couple of sexy guys and a chance in the spotlight are just an added bonus. Lessons to learn and characters to enjoy make Rachel Van Dyken a MUST read author.

I've never been so confused with my feelings over a book, without spoilers I can't explain very well, but basically I had no clue which way I wanted this book to go, I changed my mind so many times. I loved Emerson, I disliked Emerson, I hated Sanchez, I liked Sanchez. One thing was certain, I loved Miller, all the time, but I still felt he made some stupid mistakes throughout. I loved that Emerson owned her size (even though I'm certain she was still below average), the fact that she had a figure and the guys loved it was a huge plus for me. I loved the dual POV, I loved the writing and the story, is it a love triangle, isn’t it? Lots of angst, lots of sexy time, some funny parts, some emotional parts that I could relate to (especially with Emerson’s dad). All the supporting characters fitted in well with the storyline and I must say I'm looking forward to future stories in this series.

Fraternize is a fun, sexy, sweet, kinda love triangle, friends-to-lovers story with a different take on the dual POV. Emerson Rodner is unique. Not your typical size 2 cheerleader, she’s got curves and owns them, she works hard and knows her talent and worth. Miller Quinton is flirty, hot, funny and Emerson’s former best friend/boyfriend. They have a past that’s never been resolved. Grant Sanchez is blunt, sexy, and unexpected. He knows what he wants and he wants Emerson. But can he get past the playboy/manwhore image? What ensues is a great journey into friendship, forgiveness, a bromance and love. There’s awesome banter and side characters including Kinsey and Jax that you want to learn more about. Fraternize is a great start to the Player’s Game series. I look forward to the next book, Infraction, coming in January 2018.

I reallllly loved this one. I'm not even sure why, but I got really attached to these characters. I cannot wait to see more from this series.

Fraternize is a great combination of a lot of things readers look for in romance - love lost, love triangles, sassy female heroines, sports, and sexy times. However, it is unique in so many ways that it was a new and great reading experience, a refreshing new take on a sports romance!

I loved Emerson, and that she was insecure about her body but continued to pursue her passions until she made her dream come true. Despite these insecurities, she is such a sassy and strong female character. She is constantly battling between what happened in her past and what she wants for the future, and I thoroughly enjoyed following her on her journey. I thought that it approached Emerson's insecurities in a realistic way and I personally enjoyed that nutrition and realistic body image was a main part of the story.

The real star of this book, what makes it great and makes it different, is the way the love triangle functions. Miller is Em's past love and she's never forgotten him, much like he's never forgotten her. They love each other as much as they hate each other, from things left unsaid, but the flashbacks of their relationship in high school are fan-tas-tic. I loved them so much (they are so cute, you guys). On the other hand, Sanchez is a completely different animal than Miller, and I loved, loved, loved the way he and the older Emerson interact. They become friends first, but friends in a different way than you do when you are a teenager, and I never thought that they book would take the path it did. The way all the relationships in this book develop, between Em and Sanchez, Em and Miller, and Miller and Sanchez, are all great and really make this book unique and special.

The chemistry is off the charts. The dialogue is hilarious and heartbreaking. And the characters will never cease to surprise you as they figure out what truly matters. A fun, unique sports romance.

I am normally a big fan of Rachel Van Dyken's new adult novels. I love the heart she brings to them. However, I was not a big fan of Fraternize. It was well written and entertaining, but I had a lot of little problems with it. (Caution - SPOILERS AHEAD).

First, I am a native Washingtonian. I grew up and live about 40 minutes from downtown Seattle and Bellevue. I had a hard time buying into a Bellevue Bucks AND a Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise. Seattle and Bellevue are a measly ten miles apart. There is no way the area could support another NFL team. Traffic is bad enough as it is. I did appreciate all the Russel Wilson love, though. And I loved how parts of the game of football and grueling practices were included in the book.

Second, I didn't love the love triangle between Miller, Emerson, and Sanchez. It made me very uncomfortable. Everyone was too close for comfort. Miller and Sanchez were teammates, neighbors and friends. Emerson had a past with Miller that she wasn't over. Sanchez was overly aggressive in his attempts to woo Emerson, even though he knew Miller had a past with Emerson. Miller and Emerson had been best friends and then more. The had a very intimate emotional connection. I could feel their bond, and I wanted them to be together. That's not what happened. Emerson ended up with Sanchez.

Third, my biggest problem was I didn't care for Sanchez. Like I said, he was overly aggressive when it came to Emerson. He had a filthy mouth when it came to his attempts to get her to go out with him, and he wouldn't take no for an answer. It was disrespectful and made me uncomfortable. I get that underneath it all, he was a nice guy. I just didn't get that from him until the end.

There were some things I did like about Fraternize. I liked how Emerson wasn't the standard NFL cheerleader. I loved that she was fit even though she wasn't a size 0,2, 4, 6, 8...I also loved that she loved food. Emerson's confidence was cool. Another thing I loved was the ending. The one about Miller. It leads into the next book, and I'm actually really excited to read it. I loved Miller, and I am hopeful Rachel Van Dyken will give him his happy ending.

Honestly, Fraternize was a good book that just wasn't for me. I'm sure there are going to be lots of people who fall in love with Emerson and Sanchez.

If you love football then you will love this book by Rachel Van Dyken. It's completely different than her other books.

Fraternize is about the love of football, cheerleaders and the length they all will go for love.

I absolutely love Emerson as she is your everyday average girl with hips, boobs and a butt. She is not your typical stereotype NFL cheerleader and I love that. She proves everyone wrong!!

Sanchez and Miller are your super hot football players who know how to play on and off the field.

This semi love triangle gets complicated but in the end the heart wins out and everyone is happy.

Lana -White Hot Reads

There are so many five stars ratings for this one so far (it's not even out yet as I write this review) and I'm really glad about that. The thing about Rachel is that I love her. I love her humor, I love her writing style. She's one of my favorite storytellers, but... I usually never agree with her couples in books. And that's the case with Fraternize as well. I didn't like the endgame. Like, at all! Maybe I'm immature like that, because Em's "decision" makes sense, but I just didn't see it. No, no, no.

And so that's why I can't be very fair. That's what made me suffer so much while reading the book. It's great. I mean, the humor is fabulous and so like Rachel. You don't feel like you're reading a 300-something pages novel, but like you're reading about friends and funny dialogues, and it all flashes before your eyes like it's a TV show. It's not even annoying, because it's too good. That doesn't mean the author doesn't take her job serious, because she obviously does. She picks up heavy topics and includes them into her stories, she makes her characters suffer and she also makes the readers fall in love with them. That's real talent there!

I'm not a big fan of cheerleading, probably because it's not that popular in Germany, same as football. But thinking of other stories about cheerleaders, I liked this one much better. Maybe also because Emerson isn't the typical super model, but has got curves. I think we need more of those types of cheerleaders in real life, too. I also liked that Rachel van Dyken's focus wasn't set on rivality between the cheerleaders. There was a scene in which Emerson and Lily clearly hated each other, but we read much more about Emerson's friendship with Kinsey and then of course her love triangle. Miller and Sanchez. If you think one bad boy makes you swoon, then you'll most likely die reading about these two hotties.

Truth be told, during the book, I wasn't sure who to ship her with. Sometimes it was Miller, sometimes it was Grant (that's Sanchez' first name). It all came down to one person I won't name, because it'd give away spoilers, but yeah... As I said before, the endgame wasn't for me. And I hate that. Not because of Rachel, but because of me. It's obvious that guy is a better fit for her, but I still wouldn't accept it. That's why I saw a lack of chemistry, though there wasn't, that's why I saw a cheater, though he wasn't. That's why I saw so many things the way I wanted them to be, even though they were perfect. I don't know what's wrong with me. I remember reading the first two books in her Eagle Elite series and I was exactly the same. And I'm still mad over the endgame, yes. I still have yet to read the other books in that series, because I was too mad to continue. Which is probably why it'll take me years to start reading the second book. But I'm kind of excited about it too. And you know why? Because it's Rachel, damnit! She's a genius.

I absolutely loved the flashbacks. They were one of my favorite parts. Okay, yes, some of them were very short and rushed, but that's perfectly fine with me. I usually hate second chance romances, but the idea of Miller and Emerson while reading the flashbacks really grew on me.

Emerson's dad is suffering from Alzheimer's. Did your shoulders just slack? I saw it! Yes, it's a heavy topic, but I'm so glad Rachel managed to find a way that worked for her. A sad book wouldn't have been the right decision and too much humor isn't a good choice, either. But the mix was great! You still got the impression of the weight Emerson had to carry on her shoulders, but it was nice that there were these two boys who made it a little easier for her. Her life didn't revolve around her father's illness. I wouldn't have wanted that for her. And the scenes with her father really brought tears to my eyes. Especially the last one. I loved that.

I'm very aware that this review isn't as professional as some would like it do be. Is it even still a review? I have no idea. I could talk about Fraternize for hours, but there's a risk of telling spoiles, which is why I'll quit now (if you want to know who Emerson ended up with by the end of the book, just read the blurb for Infraction, the second book). One more thing: I want Jax' book now! Seriously... Even if I have no clue about book number two and my feelings toward the couple in there - I need more of Jax in my life. The hints about what his character might be like made me curious to find out more about him. If you love sports romances, funny dialogues, awesome friendships and Rachel van Dyken, go and pick this one up!

I found this book to be an addictive, easy read. Perfect for lounging on he beach or by the pool, or snuggled on the couch on a cold winery's day.

So if I enjoyed it so much, why am I only rating it 3 stars?
Well, for me, I found the story to be predictable, and at times, overly dramatic.

There is a specific scene near the end of the book that was totally POINTLESS in my mind, and was only there so it could be used as a plot device.

I did enjoy the characters. Em was a strong MC - a girl with curves proving herself in the world of slim cheerleaders - though at times I felt like it was hinting that she had suffered from an eating disorder in the past. I may have been reading into it too much though, because that was not explored in this book.

Fair warning, there is a love triangle in this book, but it was executed well - and honestly I didn't know who I wanted Em to end up with the most.

I probably would have given this four stars, but I really can't stand love triangles, and that's a huge part of this book. Not only that, but the way it was written in the first half did not at all prepare me for the huge swerve it did in the end. This was my first book by this author and while I thought I would like her writing based on recommendations, I just did not feel this book. I like a strong heroine and I'm sorry, but any girl who is torn between two men is not strong. To be fair, I read the first half of the book last night and was sort of not angry about the torn between two men thing... and then I woke up this morning and started reading and realized how it was going to end and thought, "there had been some pretty amazing plot twists to get me there" and there just weren't. It wasn't awful, it just wasn't great and didn't leave me smiling in the end.

Ironically, I'll probably read and enjoy the second book in the series just because it's set up in this book and doesn't seem at all to be using the love triangle mess. I like the characters for the most part, I just can't handle the "can't decide" part of any woman. It would make me lose respect for a real woman and I sure don't want it to be 3/4 of a romance novel. I could see maybe a little at the beginning but resolve that plot point and move on. Not drag it all through the book. You've got to make me root for the main couple and in this book, I wasn't even sure who the main couple was for half the book.

Can you tell I'm really not happy I invested a good day on this book? So in the end, I liked the setting and the characters as individuals, but I was not at all pleased with how the story came together. I'll give the author another chance because I'm assuming she doesn't always write stupid love triangle books. But dang, this one made me mad.

Fraternize is the first book in the Players Game by the ever-talented Rachel Van Dyken! I went into this book totally blind which is something I quite enjoy. I read the synopsis before I started writing this and it rocks so I am going to try my best to make this short and sweet.

Two broken hearts. One dream. Six years in between. Emerson made the cut. She was now a Buck's cheerleader. Miller was a Buck's player. It was their dream to do this together. Then one call unanswered changed everything. Two best friends turned lovers were now nothing. Nothing but sweet memories and heartache. Until, their dream did come true. Too bad they couldn't stand being in the same stadium together. Especially when another player enters the game.

Miller hated him. Grant Sanchez was a cocky asshole on the field and off. He didn't want him even looking at Emerson but what could he do, she wasn't his. And if he wanted a championship, he was going to have to ignore it. Ignore the passion he still felt for Em. He had to forget about Em. But he still wanted her. But, did she still want him? I mean, could they even be friends again after what happened all those years ago.

Emerson didn't know who she wanted but she knew she didn't want to let her dream go. And there was no fraternizing with the players. She didn't think she would have an issue since she didn't date. Now there was Miller, her ex-best friend that she still had butterflies for but wanted to hate. And Grant Sanchez, the hottest player in the league that wanted to be her friend. She didn't know what that was all about. It wasn't like she was his type and she was most definitely not a one-night stand kinda gal. What was his deal?

Two players. Three hearts. Who was going to be the second string player in her game? And will he even want to be in the game after he she decides the starting line-up?

I loved this story! Emerson is different. She isn't a size 2 cheerleader. She isn't even a size 10 one but she works hard and knows her talent and worth. Miller is flirty, hot, and funny. Grant is blunt, sexy, and unexpected. Both men are equally supportive. I went back and forth with these men. I was cheering for both sides until one moment. I can't say anything else! And I suggest if you don't want to know who she chooses in the end, do not read the synopsis for the next book!

Overall...it's an addicting story about love, friendship, football, and football. And it was awesome that it was about football players and the book actually talked about football! And cheerleading. I am not a huge fan of either but it doesn't mean I don't appreciate them. Throughout the book I laughed my ass off, cried, and felt the love.

Quotes:

“Imagine that. A blonde cheerleader who knows how to download an app. Color me impressed.”

“If I’m not at practice in five minutes, I’m going to have to run.”
“Hell no.” He slammed his foot on the accelerator, making it feel like my body was still five miles behind us as we careened toward the stadium. “I’m not letting them take away that ass.”

“Shhh, I’m having a moment with your breasts.”

Fraternize (Players Game, #1) by Rachel Van Dyken. Rah, rah, sis boom bah! Quite honestly, I was disinclined to read another sports romance. I feel like they've been over-done, but it's a RVD book sooo....
All Emerson has ever dreamed of was becoming a professional cheerleader. Things get intensely interesting when her high school love/best friend (things blur here) Miller Quinton is traded to the team she cheers for. Can they resolve the hurt between them or is steamy Grant Sanchez what she needs? I wouldn't necessarily call this one a love triangle but more of a road to recovery that has a few bus stops along the way. You either get off the bus or keep riding until you reach your destination. I think the way the author provided flashbacks from the memories of the characters enhanced the feeling throughout the story. An unexpected, exceedingly exceptional contemporary romance. And if I could get my leg up that high, I would give it five high kicks, but I'll settle for five stars instead.

Love triangles give me anxiety but a Rachel book is a Rachel book so I jumped into this one feet first. Of course Rachel gave me the book I never knew I wanted. I went into the book blind, and I hope if you are reading reviews you have finished the book and do so too. The story felt like a journey, and it's one you should take without knowing where it will all end.

Rachel is a master at crafting and writing stories and more likely than not you already know that. I was unsure the first half of this story if it would be as good as I had hoped, mostly due to my  triangle phobia, but then the halfway point happened and I knew I was hooked. Fraternize was a sports romance full of the angst and drama I love. 

This was an amazing story and I can't wait to see what is coming next from Rachel Van Dyken.
~miranda

I loved this book. I love football and this book had a nice mix of the game, the players, and love in it. I was a little surprised how it all turned out to be honest but it was good. I'm excited for it to be a whole series. I loved the duel and then triple view points of the story. If you're into football then this is a must read!

Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken exceeds all expectations!

Emerson has just landed her dream job as a professional cheerleader for the Bellevue Bucks and quickly catches the attention of star player Grant Sanchez. Known for his playboy ways, Grant is entranced by Emerson and how different she is from all the previous women in his life. However, he might not win the battle for Emerson's heart when her ex-best friend, Miller Quinton, is traded to the Bellevue Bucks. Emerson and Quinton have a past, but Grant wants to be Emerson's future.

Miller Quinton has never gotten over his ex-best friend. The anger he has towards her has remained over the years. It was his dream to play for the Bellevue Bucks and have Emerson there cheering for him on the sidelines. But that dream was crushed after their falling out. Since then, Miller has purposely avoided any offer from the Bucks. When he finds himself suddenly traded, the last thing Miller wants is to return to his hometown and face the memories of Emerson, but he has no choice. The last thing he expects is to find his new teammate Grant Sanchez lusting over his former best friend. Miller is determined to fight for what he wants: Emerson.

As a Bucks cheerleader, it's in Emerson's contract that she is to not fraternize with the players. As Emerson finds herself in the sights of Grant Sanchez and her former best friend Miller, that no fraternization policy becomes easier said than done. With feelings for both men, Emerson finds herself in a tough situation.

This book honestly was so much more than I expected. Based on the blurb and cover, I was expecting more of a romantic comedy about two men fighting over the same woman. However, what I got was a story that was full of deep feelings and a love triangle that was anything but typical. There's no fighting between the men and they really leave the decision up to Emerson. For her part, Emerson doesn't lead anyone on and I thought she was quite honest about her feelings to both men. It was very refreshing in that it wasn't a typical love triangle.

You will also fall in love with both Grant and Miller. I soon realized that my heart would break no matter who Emerson chose because I wanted both of them to get the girl. They are both so lovable and their bromance makes it even harder to choose a side.

The author does such a great job portraying the relationships between these characters and I devoured this book because I had to know how it ended.

Definitely pick this up because you will not be disappointed! I'm already dying for the next book in the series.

10 stars!! This book was so amazing and sexy. I loved it so much that I had to read it again before writing this review, because I was not going to be able to read it again until it comes out in September. This book was added to my reread again book list and I cannot wait to read about Grant, Emerson, Miller, and Kinsey. The connection between them and the way the author developed the love triangle was nothing short of brilliant. I love reading romance love triangles and this one did not disappoint. Thank you NetGalley and Rachel Van Dyken for allowing me to read this book and write an honest review.

Another Rachel's masterpiece!
I hate how the story develop and then I'm in love with it. I cry and laugh. Is a windwirl of emotions.
I love both Miller and Sanchez. I don't want to be on Emerson shoes, I don't want to choose. But Rachel do it for me and in the end she choose well .
Can't wait for more of this series. I want Jax story too. #TeamMiller.
Rachel you rock!

A not so love triangle in a not so second chance sport romance.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

Rachel van Dyken proves her writers genius with every new book he publishes. She is a really productive author and I love her style and stories. I think it’s amazing how after so many books she can still surprise me.

I flew into this story with such enthusiasm but still I started to doubt that I’m going to like it based on the first couple of chapters. Why? Well, because for one I’m not a fan of either love triangles and either second chance romances and in the beginning it really seemed like the plot is heading into the direction of the horrible combination of these. Also just after reading the firs chapters my mind started to create a certain predetermined route for the storyline to go based on my experience with similar books. But my bad because this story is freaking amazing, full of surprises and littered with some brilliant solutions which make it unpredictable. I LOVED IT. It’s funny, emotional and engaging. What else would you need?

The characters are also so marvelous, especially the boys. I liked Emerson too but I had a couple of problems with her as well. First of all she stresses how much she loves her body the way it is yet every turn she presents such self conscious tendencies and she obsesses over what other thinks about her. This clashed for me. Also in the beginning I was pissed about how she handled herself with Miller and Sanchez. But other than that she is a funny and kind character with tremendous strength.
I loved both of the guys so I couldn’t choose if my life depended on it. But what I especially liked about them is the amazing friendship they created, the teasing and the deep understanding that was present between them. They are both similar in ways; both of them are protective, attentive, talented and funny. But Miller is a bit more reserved and Sanchez despite his mischievous front has a lonely and broken side to him too. In the beginning I was rooting for the other guy and not the one Emerson ended with but as the story progressed I started to change sides and in the end I was greatly satisfied with Emerson choice.

So yes, I loved every moment of this book. It’s ups and down, twists and turns. Even when you would expect that things smoothed out and are on the right track something surprising happens that shakes up the events. It was an exciting experience.
I think it’s phenomenal how the author created a greatly enjoyable and exciting love story without overdramatizing everything.

I highly recommend this splendid story to everybody and anybody. It’s a quick, entertaining and emotional read what you wouldn’t want put down. I can’t wait for the next story!!