This one just didn't work for me despite loving RVD as an author and liking the series so far.
I get he had issues but I hate the man-whore story line, esp when they are still hung up on their ex and of course she hasn't moved on with anyone else.
I can see they both had their reasons but ew!!
Also he is drunk and is thinking about his next drink but does not have any treatment or discussion about being an alcoholic or the possibility of being one.
I will clarify that although other women are mentioned there are no scenes with other women.
He is also drunk and mixing with people taking drugs and having sex with random women and there are no concerns about pregnancies or disease... if he is rich any of these women could have used this situation to try to trap him with pregnancy but this isn't a consideration from him or his family.
I understand these issues are not the focal point of the book, it's about the anguish of their marriage and their break-up but his behavior is so irresponsible I found it suprising in this modern day and age that these issues were not at least mentioned, by Brant, Nikki or any member of his family or Cole for that matter.
That aside the issues between Brant and Nikki are handled well, apart from him sleeping around in their time apart, they had some very serious tragedies and this is well written and quite sad.
There are additional characters and the usual fantastic banter that I love RVD for.

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The Bachelor Contract (The Bachelors of Arizona) by Rachel Van Dyken  
Never have I lost my heart as quickly as I have with Rachel Van Dyken's, Bachelors of Arizona series.  Brock and Jane were the beginning of something wonderful.  Bentley and Margot were the culmination of something special and Brant and Nikki were like a dance with destiny.  The Bachelor Contract is as captivating as it is heartbreaking.  What began as a beautiful romance, lost it's innocence and became a journey of pain, guilt and salvation.  I have yet to piece my heart back together.  Every author has a story that symbolizes the best of them and I think, The Bachelor Contract is Ms. Van Dyken's signature tale.  The message is powerful, the hope is inspiring and the love story is everlasting. ( )

Received an ARC at no cost to author on behalf of Social Butterfly. Please take out your tissues because my friends you will need them..This was heartbreaking..We have lost loves, grief, anger. Brant and Anger, self blame, grief, and words that can never be taken back drove them permanently apart. In the four years since, Brant has done his best to numb the loss with alcohol and women. There where times that I hated him, but he finally ended up fixing things. Poor Nikki, she went thru so much but she still loved Brant even though she had tried to move on..We do have some humor, when there were times you didn't think your heart could take anymore..This shows what a good author Rachel is, to have you feel so many emotions..Bravo Rachel. ( )