Title: Fraternize
Author: Rachel Van Dyken
First published September 12, 2017
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.15
Overview
Brooklyn has always dreamed of being a professional cheerleader for her favorite football team. As a curvy woman, she’s determined to break boundaries and show the world that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.
But the strict rulebook makes her job harder than she ever imagined. No carbs, no chocolate, and definitely no fraternizing with the players.
That last part becomes a problem when she’s thrown back into the arms of her first love and first heartbreak, Grayson Cole. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but so is the conflict that tore them apart.
And then there’s the charming and irresistible quarterback, Levi Crawford, who has his sights set on Brooklyn. She’s breaking all the rules, and it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt.
Brooklyn doesn’t know it yet, but she’s a pawn in a dangerous game that could cost her everything she’s ever wanted.
Editoral Review
Fraternize by Rachel Van Dyken is a contemporary romance novel that was first published on September 12, 2017. Van Dyken is an American contemporary romance novelist and has authored several other bestselling romance novels.
The story is set in the world of professional football, and the main character is Emerson Rodgers, a professional cheerleader for the Denver Mustangs. She is in love with one of the team’s quarterbacks, Miller Quinn, but there are strict rules prohibiting any fraternization between cheerleaders and the players.
When Miller suddenly shows interest in Emerson, she finds herself torn between her feelings for him and her need to abide by the rules. Fraternize is a fast-paced and engaging story that explores the forbidden romance between Emerson and Miller.
The plot is filled with tension, drama, and emotional ups and downs, which keep the reader engaged throughout the book. Van Dyken does a great job of building the chemistry between the two main characters, and this is evident in their interactions and conversations.
One of the strengths of Fraternize is the character development. Emerson is a relatable and likable character who struggles with her feelings for Miller while trying to balance her commitment to her cheerleading team.
Miller is also a well-crafted character who slowly reveals his true self throughout the book. However, the plot can be predictable at times, and the pacing of the story can be slow.
The book could have benefited from more twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. Fraternize also touches on the issue of gender inequality in professional sports.
The book sheds light on the stringent rules that cheerleaders must adhere to and the double standards that are present in this field. The author does a great job of highlighting these issues without being too preachy.
Overall, Fraternize is a well-written and engaging romance novel that offers a glimpse into the world of professional football. It may not be groundbreaking, but it is a fun and entertaining read.
Fans of contemporary romance novels will find much to enjoy in this book. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance novels with a hint of sports drama.
The book is suitable for adults and young adults alike. My overall impression of Fraternize is that it is a solid read, and I would give it a rating of 7 out of 10.
