Review: Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken

Emerson just made her dream come true as a professional cheerleader for her favorite pro football team. But even though the plus-size athlete is breaking down boundaries, she still has to contend with the massive rulebook. Carbs? Nope. Chocolate? Definitely not. Still, Emerson loves her curves, and she’ll rock the hell out of this job even if it kills her. Except for one mandate that is easier read than done…

No fraternizing with the players.

Problem one is Miller Quinton: Emerson’s first love, first sex, and the guy who still ignites her daydreams and R-rated fantasies. Thrown back together, Miller and Emerson feel the undeniable pull of passion again, even if the conflict that tore them apart seems insurmountable. Then there’s way-too-sexy Grant Sanchez. He has a serious reputation with the ladies, and when it comes to winning someone he wants, he doesn’t let anyone stand in his way.

Now Emerson is breaking every rule in the manual. But what she doesn’t know is that she’s part of a wicked little game—one that could steal both her dream and her heart.

Review: 4.5 of 5 Stars

I read the first chapter of this book a long time ago in Rachel's Rockin' Readers Group.  If you're not a member, you're totally missing out.  Rachel is one of the most interactive and fun authors and I love her group! I remember when she posted this first chapter thinking, "Dang, that's gonna be a great book." and it really is a fun read!

Emerson is a character that is totally relatable.  She is fun, down to earth and easy to love.  She is not the world's definition of perfect but she embraces what others view as imperfections and owns them.  It is refreshing to see a character that is not a size zero.  Emerson is so much more than everyone believes.  She has struggles that no one knows about and she never complains or whines about it.  

Once Emerson has finally achieved her dream of becoming a professional cheerleader for the Bellevue Bucks, she is convinced nothing can take away her dream.  Enter Grant Sanchez.  Grant is a cocky, NFL player that refuses to take no for an answer. The boy is persistent, I will give him that.  And he is so funny, which was unexpected.

The other problem Emerson has?  Miller Quinton, ex-best friend who left her with a broken heart and no explanation.  When Miller is unexpectedly traded to the Bucks on the same day Emerson makes the cheer squad, things are about to get sticky.  Especially when you're thrown in the middle of a love triangle you did not ask for.

I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end.  I thought the characters were well developed and it makes me excited for book 2.  It was the perfect mix of sweetness, sexiness and humor that only Rachel Van Dyken can deliver.  Oh and if you like football, there is that too. Haha!