Step into the captivating world of Melanie Moreland’s Vested Interest series, where heart-pounding romance meets the raw vulnerability of lifelong friendships. This contemporary romance saga follows three university friends—Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox—as they build a business empire and discover love’s transformative power. With emotional depth and sizzling chemistry, it’s a journey that’ll tug at your heartstrings!
Perfect for fans of steamy yet soulful romance, Vested Interest blends Toronto’s vibrant backdrop with stories of redemption and connection. Ready to meet the men of BAM and the women who change their lives? Let’s dive in!
How Vested Interest Began
Melanie Moreland, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Vested Interest series in 2018 with Bentley, inspired by her love for crafting flawed, relatable heroes. Based in Ontario, Moreland drew from her surroundings to set the series in Toronto, infusing it with a modern, urban flair. Her goal? To explore how past traumas shape present relationships, wrapped in a swoon-worthy romance package.
The series grew from a trilogy into a seven-book phenomenon, plus a prequel and novella, fueled by fan enthusiasm and Moreland’s knack for interconnected narratives. Each book spotlights a member of BAM, the company founded by the trio, making it a heartfelt ode to friendship and love.
The Heart of Vested Interest
The series kicks off with Bentley (2018), where rigid businessman Bentley Ridge meets Emmy, a free-spirited student who softens his guarded heart. Their opposites-attract romance sets the tone for the series’ emotional stakes. Aiden (2018) follows the burly, haunted Aiden Callaghan, whose painful past clashes with his growing love for Cami, Emmy’s bold best friend.
Maddox (2018) dives into Maddox Riley’s controlled world, disrupted by Dee, a woman who challenges his fear of love. The series culminates with Sandy (2020), focusing on Sandy Preston, BAM’s nurturing matriarch, who finds love again at 57, proving it’s never too late for a happy ending. Themes of redemption, vulnerability, and found family weave through each story, set against Toronto’s bustling cityscape. Moreland’s style—steamy yet tender—makes every page a balance of heart and heat.
Whether it’s Bentley’s protective instincts or Sandy’s journey through grief, the series celebrates love’s power to heal. Fans praise Moreland’s ability to craft authentic characters, with each book delivering suspense, humor, and tear-jerking moments.
Why Vested Interest Resonates
Vested Interest has carved a niche in contemporary romance for its focus on emotional growth alongside steamy connections. Readers on Goodreads and Amazon rave about the series’ relatable heroes and strong female leads, with box sets earning 4.5+ star ratings. Its impact lies in portraying love as a journey of trust, especially for characters scarred by their pasts.
The series’ lasting appeal comes from its universal themes—friendship, second chances, and the courage to open one’s heart. By blending romance with real-world struggles, Moreland has created a world that feels both escapist and deeply human, keeping fans hooked for rereads.
- Publication Years: 2018–2020
- Number of Books: 7 main novels, 1 prequel, 1 novella
- Setting: Toronto, Canada
- Genre: Contemporary Romance
Grab Bentley and dive into Vested Interest’s world of love, laughter, and heart-melting moments. Your next book boyfriend is waiting!