Oh how to start this review...I am having a serious book hangover!

Ms. Van Dyken, brings so much in this story.  Angst, heat, heart and a story that is going to keep you glued to the pages until the very end, and them make you beg for more!

This is the story of Julian, Bridge and Isobel.  A love triangle for the ages.  The main characters lives are a twisted vine of lies and deceit.  But there is also the flowering of hope, forgiveness and love.

The dynamic between Bridge and Julian was poignant. A bond that time and distance made fragile, but when needed it was stronger than ever.

The love between each character is beautiful and flawed. The multiple POV's brings so much to the story, it brings a richness to the characters and depth to the story.

I empathized with each main character and Ms. Van Dyken has the writing talent to bring you into the world that she created. I can honestly say that I fell in both love and hate with every main character and that my friends, is a talent few writers can inspire in me! 

Do yourself a favor and read this story!! I am going to be waiting not so patiently for the next book in this series, I promise after you read Stealing Her, you will too!

Bridge Anderson's parents divorced when he was a teenager. He went to live with his mom. while his twin brother, Julian, went to live with their controlling father. Years later, Bridge's mom is ill and he's working 3 jobs to pay for her medical treatments. Julian is CEO of their father's company and engaged to his college sweetheart, Isobel, whom he's alienated so much with his corporate greed and countless affairs that she's ready to leave him. Then Julian gets in a car accident and ends up in a coma. Suddenly, Bridge's father is back in his life for the first time in 12 years, making him an offer he can't refuse: all his mom's medical bills will be paid for if he steps in a pretends to be Julian until a big merger goes through. This means that he has to be the public face of the company, but he also has to go home to Isobel and convince her he's Julian. Which is all fine and dandy until he actually spends time with her. Now he's falling in love with his brother's fiancee and struggling with how to tell her the truth about who he really is. Or...does she already know? His clothes don't fit the way they used to, he's suddenly left-handed, and only so many of the differences in his personality can be explained away by being the results of a brain injury. And what happens if/when Julian wakes up?

This is the second book I've read by Van Dyken, and I absolutely now consider myself a fan. This one was even more polished than the previous one I read, and the characters seem more mature and believable (in her defense, the heroine of the other book was supposed to be barely out of college and the ones in this book are all adults, so that might have been a big reason for the difference). I really liked Bridge. When you think about a guy stealing his twin brother's fiancee while he's in a coma, aside from reminding you of While You Were Sleeping, it also makes you kind of cringe with how wrong it seems. Until you learn that Julian was kind of a shmuck and treated Izzy horribly, and that Bridge resisted making any sort of real move on her until she was very clear on who he was. He didn't take advantage of her and let her sleep with him while thinking he was Julian. Bridge is a stand-up guy who really wants to protect those he loves, and it was impossible not to find him totally swoony. Isobel is a strong woman who has been broken over time by being orphaned, manipulated and emotionally abused by both Julian and his father. All you want after learning all she's been through is for her to rediscover her backbone and find a happy ending.

I really enjoyed this first entry in the series and already can't wait to read the next one!

**Thank you to NetGalley and Skyscape for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!**

Stealing Her is a fun read that grabs your attention and won't let go until you finish! You have front row seats to a tyrannical father with severe control issues, a twin brother (Bridge) who wants to be the protector but also is such a romantic and Izzy, the fiancee who is finding her strength after having been put in her designated place for too long. It comes together to be a fun story that has you cheering along the way.

This is my first book by the author and I feel like it is a bit lacking. I really liked Bridge's character, but felt Izzy was kind of missing a whole bunch of clues right in front of her. She really should have figured things out or at least suspected especially with some of the physical differences. Her being completely shocked? I don't know.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

Ok, I'm a serious binge reader for romance and erotic books and one of my favourite romance authors is Rachel Van Dyken. So, when I noticed netgalley had a notice up requesting arc readers for the newest Rachel Van Dyken book, I honestly couldn't hit that request button fast enough. I didnt even need to read the synopsis to know whether I would like it or not. If it's written by RVD then I'm simply gonna love it. It didnt disappoint. RVD executes this brilliantly. Love triangles can turn out very messy depending on the readers preference and RVD is able to write it in a way that you can sympathise and understand each person's point of view without turning any of them into the villain of the story. With every one of her books, again it doesnt take long before your hooked and desperate for the next chapter of the book. I couldn't put it down. Dealing with betrayal, romance, relationships but also a book of healing, nurturing and loyalty. 4⭐

Stealing Her had me hooked from the very start! The story is about twin brothers Julian and Bridge and their crazy twisted life. This book kept me on my toes and I didn't know what would happen next. I can't wait to read what happens next! Such a great read by Rachel Van Dyken!

5+++⭐️ Okay so I’ve been in an extreme book rut for over a month and I haven’t found anything that’s been holding my attention but when I picked this books up omg it helped me out of my book rut I stayed up through the night to finish this story and I haven’t done that in a while so you know it had to be amazing. Isobel and bridges story was awesome 👍 and I loved every minute of it I never wanted the story to end 😭 it was that good now I must wait In anticipation for Julian’s book ❣️❣️ great job with this one Rachel😀

This book kinda threw me for a loop. I have read everything this author has released and this book is nothing like any of her other work. It was in a league of its own. I really enjoyed it but it didn’t have the typical RVD feel.

I think this book is RVD's best book to date. I absolutely could not put the book down. It was filled with so much angsty goodness and I immediately fell for Bridge. I understood his need to do the things he did (I know vague much? But I can't give any spoilers away!)

Just know that you will be sucked into the story from the first chapter and if you're like me, you won't be able to put the book down once you start. Each book with Rachel gets better and better and I think Stealing Her takes her fans back to her voice in a few of her earlier works.

Read this book and series!!

***I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel Van Dyken and Skyscape ***

I’m a fan of Rachel Van Dyken’s writing. Stealing Her is the 8th book I’ve read from her and the first one I didn’t love. It was just ok. Julian and Bridge are estranged twins who were separated after their parent’s divorce. A tragic accident brings Bridge’s father back into his life. He asks Bridge to pretend to be his brother and save the family’s business while Julian fights for his life. Bridge promised he’d always protect his brother, so he agrees to his father’s demands knowing he’ll finally be able to take care of his mom. He doesn’t expect to fall for Julian’s fiancé Isobel.

I knew I was going to have to suspend disbelief going into this story, but it still felt forced and farfetched. Isobel was too wishy washy for me. Her fiancé ignored her, cheated on her, emotionally manipulated her and controlled practically every facet of her life. I understood why she stayed to help Bridge-as-Julian recover but I wish she wouldn’t have. I wanted her to stay strong and believe she’d done the right thing breaking off their engagement. The fact that Bridge was significantly more muscular, had tattoos, cooked, respected her, let her call the shots and control their relationship should have had alarm bells ringing off, not making her think the man she fell in love with had come back to her. I simply wasn’t convinced. She pushed Bridge away then pulled him close, and while I understood her reluctance, it became tiresome.

I also struggled with the business side of the story. The twins’ father was as controlling as they come. I felt like he would not have given Bridge any real responsibility in the company. I felt like he would have known what was going on and what Julian had been up to. I felt as though he was made out to be the real villain but didn’t really live up to the title.

The best part of this book was Bridge. I admired how selfless he was, how he took care of his mom. I loved how respectful he was with Isobel. I loved that he tried to make her laugh, fought to correct Julian’s mistakes, and was consistently patient and understanding with Isobel even when she lashed out at him. I loved that he let her control their physical relationship and tried incredibly hard to not to cross that line out of respect for both Julian and Isobel. I loved that he always tried to avoid outright lying to her, ignoring the deceit of pretending to be Julian that is. He was a good man.

By the end of the book, I’d accepted and even rooted for Izzy and Bridge’s relationship, but I wanted more interaction between the twins, and between the twins and their mom. The mother, whom Bridge was really close to basically disappeared from the book after Bridge becomes Julian. It seemed out of character for Bridge to go so long without seeing her or talking to her. I wanted to see the twins through her eyes, to watch her struggle along with and support the boys. I just wanted more depth, and the only place there was depth was on the romance side of things.

I don’t think I have read a story like this before, where the family betrayals are so high, the cost so much, the story so rich and the ending so satisfying. I truly believe that this is a story that needs to be read without any previous details so I am not telling a thing!

The story line is rich and full of emotions. The characters are detailed and deep. The action is there as is the passion, as is the heart but also the twists. I loved turning the pages and being absorbed into this story. I loved the interactions, the thoughts and desires.

This author never disappoints in her story telling and this is no different. I loved the way she chose to lay out the story and I was never sure who I disliked more or what the ending would hold. While I think that there a few instances that didn’t quite work for me, I do think this was a great story and would recommend it to those looking for an original read. I received an ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving my honest review.
#NetGalley # StealingHer

Wow!! I was hooked from the very beginning. I just could not put this book down. It is filled with some twist and turns, betrayal, heartbreak and forgiveness. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one.

What a fantastic book! I’ve always been a fan of Van Dyken’s books and this one didn’t disappoint.
Bridge and Julian are identical twins who were separated in their teens when their parents got divorced. Julian, the people pleaser, stayed with his father, an evil and controlling man. Bridge, the rebellious one, went with his mother. The father, a vengeful person, cut Bridge and his mother off from their wealthy lifestyle after the divorce. Fast forward a few years later...Bridge and his mother are struggling financially and his mother is also stricken with health issues. Julian is engaged to Isobel, a girl he met in high school. He is set to take over his father’s company when he is involved in a horrific car accident which results in him falling into a coma. Bridge is brIbed by his father to pretend to be Julian so the company doesn’t falter. Stepping into Julian’s life, Bridge meets Isobel and is tormented by his love for his brother and his guilt for loving his brother’s fiancée. Isobel knows that Julian is different after the accident but she thinks he’s reverted back to the man she fell in love with, not the work-obsessed man she was ready to leave.
I was so enthralled by the story I finished it in record time. I loved all of the characters (except the father) and I hope Van Dyken gives us Julian’s story soon.

Julian and Bridge are twins raised by a father who is driven by greed and power. At a young age, their parents get divorced with each parent taking a twin. While Bridge lives with his mother in humble surroundings, he becomes a man of great character and devoted to the health and well-being of his mother. Julian grows up wealthy being molded into the cold, businessman in the image of his father.

Fast forward years and Julian is in a devastating accident. In an effort to hold onto his wealth and power, Bridge's father approaches him asking him to do the unthinkable - take on the role of his brother including being engaged to Isobel If Bridge can do this, his mother will get much needed health care and his brother's position in the company will be safe until he wakes up. While Bridge makes his deal with the devil little does he know that he is also about to lose his heart.

The angst in this one is very, very high! I spent a large part of the book eager to get to the next page. I was eager to find out if Izzy realizes that Bridge isn't Julian, if Bridge would fall more in love with Izzy and if Julian would wake up. I had to stop myself from speed reading to the end. With every page, Bridge became a better man torn between trying to do what was right for his family but also losing his heart to the woman of his brother's dreams. I also love Izzy. For a woman that was in such a precarious position, she gained inner strength with each page. And each page was definitely worth the turn!

I loved this book and the character development. I felt how torn in two Bridge was in trying to chose whether to stay true to his brother or allow himself to take the woman that was made for him that was pledged to his brother. At the beginning of the book, I had all of these feelings for Julian and all that he had to endure. I felt lots of pity for Julian and felt bad when Bridge stepped into his shoes. By the end, I was surprised at how things had turned but definitely in a good way. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

I really enjoyed this book by RVD. A bit of a love triangle so stay away if you don't like those
Thanks Netgalley for the Arc

Another great book by Rachel Van Dyken. I loved how fast it moved and I couldn't put it down. I loved the whole secret twin aspect. Overall the book was a great read.

I voluntarily received a copy of this publication for an honest review!
So let’s start at the beginning! Twins damn a great way to go. I love every second of this. The girl second guessing that she’s losing her mind because her fiancé isn’t actually her fiancé, I mean how great of a storyline is that.

The evil dad trying to blackmail, corrupt, and cheat his way to fame and fortune. A sick and dying mother beginning again but only to struggle and become actually sick. You can on,y deal with so much cheating and lying.

This story pulled me in straight away and left me on the edge of my seat from the get go! I want to read more Julian needs a book.

This was a great read. The story reminded me of a mix between While You Were Sleeping and Dave - with a little more drama. I could not put this book down - I was fascinated to see how/if the author could resolve all the tensions and problems the setting created.

Bridge is in an incredibly difficult situation. His motivations throughout the book are complex and seriously complicated by his feelings for Isobel. Isobel has been through the wringer at the hands of many people who should be putting her first. In particular men, who are putting their business and need for revenge/vengeance ahead of anything and everything in their lives. Bridge is truly a good guy - but his motivations here are mixed. He is driven by the need to protect his family - but in the midst of it find opportunity for himself in many ways. He feels a lot of guilt - but he (and Isobel eventually) keep moving forward.

I am certain that a second book is coming for this - and I am anxious to see where that leads. The ending to this book isn't a cliffhanger - but it does leave a lot of loose ends!

Overall - I loved this book!

I received an ARC for free from Netgalley, but the opinions here are my own!

RVD has another hit on her hands. This is by far my favorite of hers. It was angsty, romantic, suspenseful and more. I couldn't stop reading once I started. This book will keep you up all night and you won't regret it. I love RVD and all her books but this series is going to be my favorite!

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When I first read the synopsis, I was highly interested in seeing where RVD was going to take this. It was completely different from her other books and she did not disappoint. I was invested from the beginning to the end.I was so dang curious to see how this was going to play out. How far was Bridge going to go? Was he was going to let his father play him, Julian, and Isobel by dangling this carrot in front of him? What irked me the most is that Bridge truly was a stand up honest guy. So many opportunities presented themselves to tell Isobel what was going on. I think that would have helped both of them in terms of the manipulation orchestrated by Edward. He could have had her on his side from the get go. Instead it took them down this rabbit hole that seemed too damning and impossible to fix one Julian came to. In the end it semi worked itself out. The epilogue was kind of vague though making me believe maybe a second book is in the works. Will we see Julian get his HEA??

Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.