Author: Rachel Van Dyken (Page 1 of 4)

Synopsis:

Make it or break it...

Or maybe just break them?

Ah-Ri has been training under YK Management in Korea for two years without any results. She doesn’t fit the typical mold for a successful K-POP idol image, literally down to her blood type. She has six more months before college entrance exams which means she only has six months to make it as an idol before her dreams are crushed.

Things take a turn when two of the most famous male idols break away from their group and decide to form their own co-ed group, a rarity.

And wonder of all wonders, they need one more girl.

It would be the perfect opportunity, except she hates them.

They are arrogant, entitled, rich little snobs who want the world to worship the ground they walk on. To make matters worse, the only reason they came to her was because they are desperate, which means she needs to prove herself even more.

Tempers and personalities collide when she’s forced to either accept the position or give up on her dream.

But what happens when you suddenly go from anti-fan and enemy number one to stuck in a love triangle between two boys you were born to hate but are somehow falling in love with? And will the group survive the heartbreak that follows when she finally makes her choice?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Review:

Why do bad ideas always feel so good?

The Anti-Fan and the Idol was so easy to devour in one sitting.  This novella had a lot packed into the story and I loved every minute of it!  Enemies to lovers, music, friendship and romance were laced throughout the pages. If you’re looking for a quick read that will be a lot of fun, definitely add this one to your tbr!

My fingers tremble as I stop on Fallen Angel Forever.
I send the text that will seal my destiny.
My fate.
My forever.
And type two simple words.
I’m. In.

Ah-Ri had been training to become a K-POP idol, yet she didn’t exactly fit the mold.  She had only six months left until her college entrance exam and walk away from her lifelong dream.  When two famous male idols broke away from their group and needed one more female to form a co-ed group, they asked Ah-Ri.  Yet Ah-Ri hated Hanuel and Ryan.  Grudges had been created from past hurtful words and their enemies relationship was born and continued to simmer.  Yet Ah-Ri would do anything to reach her goals.  Even if it meant joining up with her nemeses.

I crumple to the floor and cry.
I think I know why but, really, it’s because the bully in my nightmares is the same one I want to dream with.

I loved Ah-Ri!  She tried her best and put 150% into everything that she did!  I desperately wanted her to catch her break, so when she told us about her past with Hanuel and Ryan, I paused.  They both not only hurt her, but their words cut deep.  Especially since she was already insecure with herself, since she felt and looked different than the other trainees.  So I was angry at them right along with Ah-Ri.  Yet, we also got chapters in Ryan’s voice and oh how my outlook completely changed.  I’m such a traitor lol!

I can’t date. It’s always been her.

Ryan had been secretly lusting after Ah-Ri.  Hard.  Yet he could be such an asshole to her.  If he acted like a douche towards her, then he could push his feelings away.  But the moment that they started training together, and dancing, none of that could be avoided.  They both wanted their new group to make it big, so they trained hours upon hours together.  Getting their vocals and dancing moves perfect.  And with dancing, there was so much touching.  Their moments together were intense and their lust and feelings could not be ignored.  By either of them.  It felt like they were going to explode at any moment!

His right hand splays across my stomach as our hips move in sync. He leans in. I see his reflection in the mirror. I’m in great shape, yet I’m out of breath.
He whispers in my ear. “Is this hard enough for you?”
Why do his words sound dirty and so exciting?
“I’ve felt harder,” I say, pulling away from him, but not before he spins me around and kisses me. He tastes like sweat and sin.

The Anti-Fan and the Idol was a mesmerizing enemies to lovers story! While this book was heavy on the emotions, dealing with suicide and struggling with eating, it also shined brightly with lighter moments of laughter, friendship and love.  Plus watching them work together to reach the stars was addictive!  And if you’ve read My Summer in Seoul, you’ll be so happy to see someone!  My lips are zipped who, but I squealed!  While you definitely don’t have to read that book first, I highly recommend it too because that story swept me away!  With the Anti-Fan and the Idol, there was an epilogue that left me smiling long after I put my kindle away.  I loved all of the heartache, smiles, laughter, love, jealousy and friendship in this story!  It was such a quick read and exactly what I needed!

When she starts to dance, I think, I will always look back on this  moment. This is where I lost myself.
To her.
To the music.
To us.
I hold my head high.
This is it.
My last chance.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Synopsis:

I’ve known Jack my entire life.
We went from being high school enemies to making out one fateful night at college to him being a giant D and making me cry.
Now we’re both interns at the same company.
Mortal enemy interns.

So when the chance pops up to finally beat him at something, to land my dream job plus a bonus? I don’t even blink.

I’m in. All in.
I mean, how hard can it be?
The managers say it’s like the Olympics for interns. All we have to do is play a few silly games, and if we win—our futures are unicorns and free wine for all.
The only problem? Jack’s my partner, and in order to win, we will have to get along.

As the stakes get higher, so does the heat, and damn is he hot when he’s… never mind. I can focus. I can totally focus and not make out with him or end up in his bed—again.
I can do it.
For the sake of my career, I can do it.
I just need a blindfold, sage, and a lot of prayers.

My job is the only thing I have right now. My focus is strong.
But when that stupid guy smiles, all I can think about is that one kiss, followed by the second, and I wonder if my priorities are in order or if I’m falling for the enemy once again.

Review:

Are there hidden cameras?
What do I even do right now? I lean forward.
“This can’t be legal.” 

Office Date was binge worthy and a ton of fun!  Rachel Van Dyken has done it again!  She wrote another fabulous enemies to lovers and forced proximity that I loved!  So if you adore sexy, new adult romance that will keep you laughing from start to finish then you definitely need Office Date in your life!

I sucker punch him in the stomach.
It was instinct!
He starts coughing and falls to the floor, yelling, “Whyyyyyyy?” like I just committed murder.
Whatever.
I kick him lightly. “You’re fine; stop being dramatic!”

Ivy and Jack had hated each other forever.  Not only did they have a disaster of a kiss in high school, but remained steadfast in their hatred through college. Now they were at an internship together.  And even though Jack knew how to push Ivy’s buttons like a pro and Ivy got irritated with Jack so easily, they both were attracted to each another.  When they found themselves in an office style non-death hunger game situation lol, they both needed to work together to win the top two spots for their dream jobs!

“You’ll be living across the hall from each other, we couldn’t swing the whole roommate thing again, but you will be spending the next two weeks  together as if you’re…”
Don’t say it. Don’t say it. Don’t say it. 
“Dating.”
“Fuck!” I say, then realize I said it out loud.
When a heel drives into the top of my foot seconds later.

Jack was my favorite!  He was the king of screwing with Ivy, and he could be such an ass.  But I was obsessed with him since we got half of the book in his point of view. And his thoughts?! They cracked me up or made me sigh out loud. I loved hearing Ivy’s voice too and how she assessed a situation. But listening to the both of them, you got to see that they each had so many layers. Their pasts, dreams and goals shaped who they were now. And they truly didn’t know the other person. So I was beyond ecstatic that they not only had to live right by each other but that they had to work together to win!

“How are you so cruel?” I cling to her. “Who hurt you?”
She shoves me off her. “Oh, some big giant idiot in college, but I’m over it.”
“I’m not,” I say under my breath, making her own catch.

The games Ivy and Jack found themselves in were over the top! Again! This is the second annual Emory Games, and you can read about the first in Office Hate. You don’t have to read that book first before this one, but oh my gosh I love that story so much and can’t recommend it enough! During these new games, childhood fears reappeared and it didn’t matter how irrational they were. There were moments I knew I shouldn’t be laughing at them, but I couldn’t stop. And the motivation they gave each other to win *dying laughing*, it was sooooooo inappropriate but so perfect too! I knew it was just a matter of time before Jack and Ivy would cross the line, and when they did *fans face* it was so hot!

His eyes flicker to my lips.
“Question.”
“What now?”
“If I kiss you, will you slap me?”
I grin. “This sounds like a fun game.”
“Be serious.”
“I am.”  I lean in. “Care to test it out?”
“How hard do you slap?”
“How good do you kiss?”
He smirks. “Ah, a challenge?”
“I like to win.”
“Maybe we both win…”

Office Date was a fun, lighthearted, laugh out loud hilarious book. If you’re looking for a story to pick up at the beach, this is it!  I can easily see myself reading it again! Plus the ending was so cute and left a smile on my face! Now I’m wondering if there will be the third annual Emory Games someday *fingers crossed*…….

She’s my perfect partner in crime, and I don’t want to let her go.

PS Max is as eccentric as ever and poor Dustin lol.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

My Summer in Seoul by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

It’s not all K-dramas and happily ever afters.

Intern with Korea’s number one record label? Yes, please.
Find out there’s a huge scandal I need to help “manage”… not so much.
Add in the fact that I don’t recognize the “superstars” of the label and think they’re interns…
And my dream job quickly becomes more of a nightmare.

But I’m in Seoul, the one place that is beginning to feel more and more like home...
Except it isn’t home, and the drama surrounding the biggest K-pop group in the world, SWT, is consuming my every moment.
Spoiler alert. They hate me.
Everything I do is wrong: wrong clothes, wrong honorifics, wrong manners.
Till the leader of SWT takes pity on me.
But pity is dangerous when it comes from someone as beautiful as him.

Every SWT member is gorgeous, perfect, and cultivated to be an idol… lethal to a girl’s heart.
And sanity.
But fame plus a perfect face and voice don’t equal an easy life. As their comeback nears, the stakes rise higher.
Suicide watch…
Angry fans…
Threats…

All I want to do is survive.
But the price for survival might mean losing my heart.
And like a character in a K-drama, I’m not sure if there will be an actual happily ever after…
Or simply a lesson learned.

Review:

I went to Seoul searching for my heart— and found my destiny instead.

 My Summer in Seoul was brimming with emotion and swept me away.  I had absolutely no clue what I was getting into, since I don’t know anything about K-pop.  But that didn’t even matter.  At the heart of this story was friendship, love, trials and trust.  And each aspect was so emotional and powerful.  So if you’re a fan of enemies to lovers or romance stories with someone famous, then you definitely need this book in your life!

It was always the pretty ones that were the most complicated.
And mean.

Rachel Van Dyken always has the amazing talent of putting me directly into someone else’s shoes and feeling every single thing they do.  So of course I loved Grace!  She wanted to get into the music industry and her Uncle offered her a job to intern at his number one record label.  In Korea.  Grace jumped at the chance, but it definitely wasn’t what she thought it would be.  Yes it involved coffee runs and other similar tasks.  But she had to help oversee the largest K-pop group in the world.  And she started her first moment with them, thinking they were interns.  Whoops.

Well, if he wanted war.
He’d get it.
Because I wasn’t quitting.
I wasn’t leaving.
And I would stay even if it killed me.

Lucas, Rae, Sookie, Jay and Kai were a formable team in SWT.  But they hated Grace.  She was loud, bubbly, wouldn’t stop talking, and had no clue what she was doing.  Especially when it came to customs.  Thankfully Rae, the leader, took pity on her.  But it still wasn’t easy, especially with Lucas hating her the most.  And while Grace tried her hardest again and again, it still was never enough.

I didn’t look over my shoulder, even though I wanted to.
And I didn’t check on her again.
It wasn’t my place.
And she wasn’t mine to begin with.
Plus, she was the last girl in the world I would go for.
Dead. Last.

Grace was motivated, persevered when others wouldn’t and had the hugest heart ever.  And while she started figuring out how to handle the guys in SWT, Lucas still gave her all the hatred.  It didn’t matter what she would do or how kind she was to him.  He still hated her with a passion.  And as someone who loves enemies to lovers, Grace and Lucas’ story was fabulous!  It was a roller-coaster of emotions with the most fabulous angst!  And while my heart broke for Grace countless times, it also started to break for Lucas too.  Once we started to have chapters in his head too.

It was wrong, sneaking around, making her lie to everyone, bringing her down with me, but I couldn’t stop it any more than I could stop breathing.

Lucas was struggling.  The music industry of K-pop was beyond intense and brutal.  Fans controlled how high they climbed and how low they crashed with a scandal.  So as we started to learn more about Lucas, he earned my empathy.  Even if he could be a total asshole lol.  That’s because I loved how Lucas felt deeply.  I loved how passionate he was about music.  And I even loved how he messed with Grace at times.  But most of all, I loved when Lucas did something that allowed Grace to see more of him.  Lucas was drowning at times, and I kept hoping Grace could help him.  Somehow.

I still tasted her mouth; I still felt her skin on mine.
I still wanted her so much it hurt.

The way Grace and Lucas developed eeps, I loved it!  They made my heart pound faster!  And I’m not saying any more about them besides read this book!  On top of Grace and Lucas was an industry that was all consuming.  Intense isn’t even a strong enough word for it.  And we also got to know Rae, Sookie, Jay and Kai.  Oh you guys.  They slowly found a way into my heart and I didn’t ever want to say goodbye to them.  I’d be sooo happy if each of them got their own story!  Please ♥.

She had saved me. It was my turn. To save her.

My Summer in Seoul was an enemy to lovers tale that romances lovers will passionately fall in love with!  This story played out like I was watching a tv show unfold on Netflix, it was impossible to put down!  And while there was a lot of drama and emotion throughout this story, I laughed a ton too.  The bears?!  Oh I can’t even!  So yes, I loved this book and can’t recommend it enough!

Son of a bitch! I was killing them all! ALL OF THEM!

PS What I gasped over?  I was just as mad, right along with Grace!  Even though I guessed it.  Still.  Poor Grace ♥.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*